Choreographers and performers: Clare Adam and Lesley Howard
Created by Deaf dance artist Clare Adam and Autistic dance artist Lesley Howard, A Home for Hamish is a vibrant, sensory-led adventure that perfectly understands its young audience. While the narrative is a gentle journey across Scotland, the production’s true strength lies in its immersive atmosphere and its deep respect for the sensory needs of its viewers.
The performance begins playfully in the cafe bar, immediately breaking the “fourth wall” and inviting families into the story. We follow May and their companion, Hamish the Haggis, on a quest for the perfect night’s sleep. The aesthetic of travel is beautifully realised through a series of suitcases; there is a genuine sense of excitement each time a new case is opened to reveal a different landscape. From escaping dragons to dancing with jellyfish, the transitions between these “worlds” are seamless and visually captivating.
The production is a masterclass in inclusive design. By merging dance with British Sign Language (BSL), Adam and Howard create a shared language that feels like a core part of the choreography. The music composed by Greg Sinclair is equally noteworthy, upbeat, magical, and totally atmospheric. It serves as a heartbeat for the show, at times turning the theatre into a dance floor as the children joined in.
While the quest to find a “home” initially feels secondary to the episodic adventures, the conclusion suggests a more profound, circular journey. It seems that “home” is found exactly where the adventure began. For the target demographic of ages four to seven, these thematic nuances mattered little. The children were quite literally glued to the performers, gasping at each new discovery and laughing throughout.
Ultimately, A Home for Hamish succeeds in its most vital mission: creating a world where every child can see themselves represented and respected. It is a joyful, well-crafted piece of theatre that proves the journey, and the friends we bring along, is often more important than the destination.
Reviewed on 4 April 2026 | Image: Contributed
