MEET FRED // HIJINX

Hijinx, in association with Blind Summit, present Meet Fred

Three images in a row. The first shows Fred, a two-foot-tall puppet, dousing himself in something from a shot glass, with a glowing neon “OPEN” sign beside him. The second captures the cast on stage together - one performer at the top of a tall wooden ladder while two others hold Fred on top of a fly case. The third shows a blue-lit moment with Fred and his three puppeteers.

What to expect

A decade ago, a two-foot-tall puppet took on the world—and he’s still fighting.

After touring 20+ countries and delighting thousands of audiences, Meet Fred returns to the UK for its 10th anniversary tour.

This darkly hilarious, critically acclaimed production follows Fred, a cloth puppet just trying to live an ordinary life—get a job, find love, be part of society.

But with his Puppetry Living Allowance under threat, Fred’s world spirals out of control. How do you hold on to independence when the system pulls the strings?

With biting wit, razor-sharp political satire, and moments of unexpected tenderness, Meet Fred is an unmissable comedy that has resonated with audiences across the globe.

“A real marvel… essential viewing for humans and puppets everywhere” – Total Theatre

Fred, a two-foot-tall white cloth puppet, is stood dramatically with his arms and one leg stuck out, lit up against a darker background. His three puppeteers, who control his different limbs, are wearing black and looking expressive as they move Fred into position.

Created by award-winning inclusive theatre company Hijinx, the show features a stellar cast of performers with and without learning disabilities and/or autism, whose lived experiences bring depth and authenticity to Fred’s struggle.

Celebrating 10 years of making audiences laugh, gasp, and rethink the world around them, Meet Fred is as urgent and relevant.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Prepare to be tickled and devastated in equal measure.” – The Upcoming

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Every moment of this show is captivating.” – To Do List

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Meet Fred is an ingeniously conceived, hilarious and truly unmissable piece of theatre.” – Broadway Baby

Age Guidance: Recommended 14+ contains strong language, adult themes and puppet nudity.

>> BOOK TICKETS

when

  • Thursday 5 February, 7:30pm
  • The performance will last approximately 80 minutes (no interval)

Where

  • Gloucester Guildhall, 23 Eastgate Street, Gloucester, GL1 1NS
  • Kings Walk Car Park (GL1 1EA) is accessible through Gloucester Guildhall (Level 3).
  • Gloucester Transport Hub is a five minute (0.2 miles) walk from the venue.
  • Gloucester Railway Station is a less than 10 minute walk (0.4 miles) from the venue.

MONEY

  • We don’t want cost to be a barrier to entry, so this event is Pay What You Can, with a suggested price of £7. If you are unable to afford the suggested price then you are welcome to come along for free.

Access

  • This performance will be captioned in English
  • The venue is wheelchair accessible with lift access to the upper floors
  • There are gender neutral toilets, gender specific toilets and three accessible toilets available
  • There are accessible parking spaces and ramp access via the Kings Walk car park entrance on the fourth level
  • Find out more about access at Gloucester Guildhall 
  • If you have any questions please get in touch, info@strikealight.org.uk

Promotional photography will take place at this event. If you do not wish to be featured in our content, please let one of the Strike A Light staff members know.

>> BOOK TICKETS
Fred, the two-foot-tall cloth puppet, is sat on a park bench on a date with a woman who is wearing a long flowery top with plaits in her hair. The set in the background is made of blackboards with white writing on them and the scene has warm golden lighting.

Thanks and Credits

Meet Fred is presented by Hijinx, in association with Blind Summit

Supported by Arts Council of Wales, Welsh Government and Arts Council England.