Sign in

Kevin Walsh

@bigkevwalsh.bsky.social
87 followers 106 following 5 posts

Executive Director & Joint CEO at Graeae. Theatre, music, books, art - I soak it all up but don't ask me to make any of it. Fired up by social justice and disability rights. Expert at surrounding myself with good people.

PostsRepliesMedia
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 01/10/2026
Michael Sheen has been announced as a Sky Arts award nominee for his work as founder and artistic director of the Welsh National Theatre, alongside Graeae and the West End transfer of Punch. Read more 👇
thestage.co.uk
Michael Sheen and Graeae among Sky Arts Awards nominees
095
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 24/09/2026
We're so excited to announce our brand-new folk-punk musical about love, belonging and what happens when the state decides who belongs. Touring February – March 2027. A Graeae & Derby Theatre co-pro, the show is packed with rebellion, razor-sharp humour & rousing songs. graeae.org/event/weddin...
graeae.org
Wedding Fayre - Graeae
002
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 03/09/2026
We’re thrilled to be part of Totally Thames 2026 Festival with Turning the Tide. A free public installation, created with Graeae's Young Company from the 17-20 September at Blackfriars Bridge. Check out the video below and find out more about the project. youtu.be/H2v4X8G0KUM?...
youtu.be
Turning The Tide @ Totally Thames festival 2026 [CC]
YouTube video by Thames Festival Trust
001
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 29/04/2026
We are recruiting for new board members who are interested in making an impact on the future of Graeae. We are interested in applications from Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent individuals. Being a member of Graeae’s board is stimulating and rewarding. Learn more below! graeae.org/job/board-me...
graeae.org
Board Member - Graeae
002
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
DaDa @dadafest.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Today, a year on from the close of #DDFI40 we launch our 2024/2025 impact report. Visit our website to view our full report including plain text, easy read, BSL summary and opportunity to receive a large print copy. www.dadafest.co.uk/article/cele...
001
Kevin Walsh @bigkevwalsh.bsky.social · 23/03/2026
We are SO CLOSE! Just £395 of donations away from our target. If you like the sound of our young company and are in a position to donate, we'd love it if you could help us get this campaign fully funded. For every £10 donated, with Gift Aid, we receive nearly £22. That's pretty great, right?
000
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 17/03/2026
The Big Give Arts for Impact campaign starts now! From 17 - 24 March, Graeae is raising funds to support our Young Company of Disabled artists. Support us to make high-quality, inclusive training possible. Every donation doubled! donate.biggive.org/campaign/a05...
012
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Liam O’Dell (He/Him) @liamodell.com · 25/02/2026
Jenny Sealey, the artistic director of the disabled-led theatre company Graeae, has revealed her support under the government's Access to Work scheme has been cut by half, criticising the "punitive" decision as an "infringement of human rights".
liamodell.com
Graeae artistic director ‘broken’ as Access to Work support cut by half
Jenny Sealey, the artistic director of the disabled-led theatre company Graeae, has revealed her support under the government's Access to Work scheme has been cut by half, criticising the "punitive" decision as an "infringement of human rights".
012
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 25/02/2026
Graeae artistic director Jenny Sealey has claimed she has suffered a 50% cut to financial support for her disability from the government. Read more 👇
thestage.co.uk
Graeae’s Jenny Sealey hit by ‘punitive’ cut to disability support
002
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 22/01/2026
New year. New projects. New space? Graeae’s accessible award-winning spaces are available to hire! Check out the brochure on our webiste. graeae.org/who-we-are/o...
Graeae's meeting room. Long white table with chairs in the middle with green fabric seats on the right across the wall. Graeae's kitchen with green countertops with tea and coffee facilitiesGraeae's rehearsal space with round tables and chairs. Sound and lighting equipment is to the right of the room next to a piano.
001
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 02/02/2026
Have your say on your experience of Access to Work. To inform our response to The Public Accounts Committee Inquiry, we’ve created a short survey for our community and for those who would prefer to submit their evidence through Graeae. graeae.org/resource/acc...
graeae.org
Access to Work 2026 - Graeae
012
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 19/12/2025
Graeae’s Deaf, Disabled & neurodivergent writers have ended their coffee mornings this year with “12 Days of Christmas: on your radar, not your risk register.” In our rebellious spirit, this does not fit to the tune of 12 days of Christmas, but the sentiment does! graeae.org/resource/12-...
graeae.org
12 Days of Christmas: on your radar, not your risk register! - Graeae
022
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Today for Disability History Month we’d like to honour Disability Rights Activist Judy Heumann. Judy was known as the Mother of the Disability Rights Movement and she led the charge for equal rights in the U.S., and she was largely responsible for legislative changes from the 1970s onwards.
A color photo of Judy. She is sat in her chair holding two of her books. She is wearing a bright top, glasses, and is smiling.Dozens of disabled demonstrators gathered inside the HEW building Image Credit: AP ImagesHale Zukas, Ron Washington, and Judy Heumann respond to a question at a press conference held at the San Francisco airport before protesters leave for Washington. Lynette Taylor provides American Sign Language interpretation.
152
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 22/10/2025
NEW TRAILER - Bad Lads ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐"The writing was fierce, poetic, jarring and raw" Theatre & Tonic On tour: 23 - 25 Oct Tobacco Factory Theatres 5 - 6 Nov Unity Liverpool 7 - 8 Nov Derby Theatre 11 - 12 Nov Warwick Arts Centre 14 - 15 Nov ARC Stockton Trailer: Round One Films shorturl.at/D2Igf
shorturl.at
Bad Lads Trailer
A new play written by Mike Kenny created from a story by Jimmy Coffey and the testimonies of the other Medomsley boys. Directed by Jenny Sealey. A Graeae production…
013
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 15/10/2025
We're looking for a General Manager - Maternity Cover to join our team until Oct 2026. This is a wide-ranging, thrilling job in a vibrant, creative office and is perfect for someone with a passion for theatre, a well-run system, equality & advocacy. Apply by Mon 20 Oct: graeae.org/recruitment/
Purple background. Text reads, Join our team. General Manager -Maternity Cover. Deadline 20 October. Below is an image of young people smiling and cheering on stage of our show The Festival of Rights.
003
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 13/10/2025
⭐⭐⭐⭐ “...unapologetically campaigning theatre, demanding justice and accountability." The Guardian Thanks to @livetheatre.bsky.social for a brilliant opening of Bad Lads. Our tour continues to Theatre Royal Plymouth 15 - 18 October. Book tickets here: theatreroyal.com/whats-on/bad...
Cast members lay down, two on the floor and one behind on a table as they look up to the ceiling. Text reads 4 stars unapologetically campaigning theatre, demanding justice and accountability. The Guardian2 cast members sit on seats whilst another stands over them. Text reads 5 stars heartbreakingly hard to watch but urgently necessary. Northern arts review. Cast members stand shoulder to shoulder under floodlights. 4 stars The stage, dares you not to look away.One cast member puts his arm around another, he looks nervous with his eyes closed. Text reads, Raynor and Yorke have deeply electric acting chemistry. The spy in the stalls.
075
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 26/09/2025
We're recruiting for a General Manager - Maternity Cover. A dynamic, exciting role in a vibrant, creative office. Perfect for someone who has a passion for theatre, organisation and champions equality, and advocacy. Deadline: Monday 20 October. Find out how to apply: graeae.org/recruitment/
Red background with an image of the outside of Graeae's building. Text reads we're recruiting. General Manager - Maternity Cover. Deadline 20 October 2025
011
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
thespyinthestalls @thespyinthestalls.bsky.social · 08/10/2025
📣▪️ REVIEW | BAD LADS at Live Theatre | UK Tour 🎭▪️ 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 💬▪️ "powerful, understated, and captivating " 📖▪️ thespyinthestalls.com/2025/10/bad-lads/ 📷▪️ Von Fox 👉▪️ @livetheatre.bsky.social @graeaetheatre.bsky.social #️⃣▪️ #review #thespyinthestalls #BadLads #theatre #drama
023
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 08/10/2025
★★★★ Review: Bad Lads – Searing examination of abuse of power. Read The Stage's review 👇
thestage.co.uk
Bad Lads review at Live Theatre: Hard-hitting
Read our review of Bad Lads at Newcastle’s Live Theatre. Graeae’s production, written by Mike Kenny, is a searing examination of abuse of power
001
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Live Theatre @livetheatre.bsky.social · 19/09/2025
Dr Sue O’Rourke, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, explains her involvement with #BadLads our upcoming production with @graeaetheatre.bsky.social that gives a voice to those that suffered physical & sexual abuse at Medomsley Detention Centre, Durham. Read the article at tinyurl.com/26ejkk38
tinyurl.com
Giving a voice to the ‘bad lads’ | BPS
Dr Sue O’Rourke, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, on her involvement with a new play – directed by Jenny Sealey, written by Mike Kenny, created from a story by Jimmy Coffey and the testimonies of oth...
011
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 29/08/2025
Discover Bradbury Studios, home to Graeae at the Open House Festival! Join us for a tour throughout the day on Sunday 14 September between 11am – 4pm and find out more about the building and what we do. More details here: programme.openhouse.org.uk/listings/13268 #OpenHouseFestival2025
Three images, one outside of Graeae, one in the foyer highlighting a large e in the arched window and a living room with sofa and chairs. Text reads on a red background Open House Festival, Sunday 14 September 11am to 4pm.
021
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Disability Rights UK @disrightsuk.bsky.social · 18/06/2025
🚨NEWS🚨 Mapped: The worst-hit areas for PIP cuts as more than 1.3m could lose support under Labour’s plans www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home...
independent.co.uk
PIP cuts mapped: The worst-hit areas as more than 1.3m could lose support
Some of the UK’s most deprived areas stand to lose out the most, new data reveals
31914
Kevin Walsh @bigkevwalsh.bsky.social · 17/06/2025
I'd really recommend you go see The Walrus Has A Right To Adventure @liveveryplay.bsky.social. It is so good. Unlike anything I've quite seen before but instantly accessible. You relax into the performances in a heartbeat, which is pretty extraordinary considering how much they have to do. Go see!
everymanplayhouse.com
The Walrus Has a Right To Adventure - Liverpool Everyman & Playhouse Theatres
★ ★ ★ ★ "This is pure theatrical alchemy." The Stage
020
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 29/05/2025
We're delighted to announce our new show BAD LADS, created from the testimonies of the Medomsley boys. A new play by Mike Kenny, directed by Jenny Sealey. A Graeae production in association with Live Theatre touring nationally this autumn. Details and tour dates below! graeae.org/event/bad-la...
graeae.org
Bad Lads - Graeae
052
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
The Guardian @theguardian.com · 27/05/2025
Labour is taking the Pip – and disabled people have had enough | Cherylee Houston
theguardian.com
Labour is taking the Pip – and disabled people have had enough | Cherylee Houston
I am in tears reading the stories of what might happen if these further cuts go ahead, which is why I’ve joined forces with others to demand action, says actor Cherylee Houston
512335
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 27/05/2025
More than 100 of the UK’s most high-profile disabled people urge the Prime Minister to abandon the “inhumane and catastrophic plans to cut disability benefits”. My exclusive: www.theguardian.com/society/2025...
theguardian.com
Disabled celebrities urge Keir Starmer to scrap ‘inhumane’ benefit cuts
Exclusive: More than 100 people including Liz Carr and Rosie Jones sign letter criticising Pip and universal credit changes
17963354
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Touretteshero @touretteshero.bsky.social · 23/05/2025
I’m profoundly sad to say that as of today, I’ll no longer be able to do my job as co-artistic director of #Touretteshero because of a recent decision by #AccessToWork to cut my support by 61%. Read & share this post, the hardest I've had to write: www.touretteshero.com/2025/05/23/a... 1/4
A photo of Jess Thom, a white, wheelchair using woman looking into the camera with a serious expression. She is wearing a blue and green hoodie, black padded gloves and is pictured in from of a brick wall
18259191
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
The Stage @thestage.co.uk · 23/05/2025
Disabled creatives have warned that planned changes to disability benefits will permanently prevent them from working in theatre 👇
thestage.co.uk
Disabled artists warn that benefit cuts will exclude them from theatre
Disabled creatives have warned that planned changes to disability benefits will permanently prevent them from working in theatre
011
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 22/05/2025
We have released a statement on the impact of recent proposed policy changes & benefits reform within the Pathways to Work: Reforming Benefits and Support to Get Britain Working Green Paper. graeae.org/resource/gra... Our community cannot & should not take this further assault on civil liberties!
Beige background with Graeae logo in red. Text reads, We Are Working - Allow Us To Continue
0711
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 17/05/2025
The UK’s disability art scene is a source of international pride. At Graeae, we have been “getting disabled people into work” since 1980. 👇 graeae.org/resource/gra...
graeae.org
Graeae's response on the impact of recent policy changes - Graeae
074
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Private Eye Magazine @privateeyenews.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
Patrick Butler and Josh Halliday (The Guardian) uncovered how vulnerable British carers were taken to court for accidentally claiming carer’s allowance while working part-time – even though many had tried to report their earnings to the Department of Work and Pensions.
411436
Kevin Walsh @bigkevwalsh.bsky.social · 15/05/2025
I urge you to go and see A Small Enclosed Room With Alfie Murphy by @aaaprods.bsky.social when it comes to your area. It's proper good stuff. And it is coming to @storyhouselive.bsky.social - my home town!
052
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Disability Rights UK @disrightsuk.bsky.social · 13/05/2025
🚨BREAKING NEWS🚨 Disability and Migration Network respond to Government plans to axe the care worker visa - a dangerous distraction from decades of decaying social care at the hands of government policies. Read our full statement here👇 www.disabilityrightsuk.org/news/disabil...
Disability and Migration Network Response to Care Worker Visa Announcement

“When Disabled people are able to access care and support, this is often from migrant care workers, whose skills and essential role in social care have been devalued and invalidated by both the government and the media. 

The government’s dangerous and inflammatory announcement further normalises far-right politics, while distracting from the repeated failure of successive governments to progress meaningful reform, or to reverse the widespread profiteering in England’s predominantly privatised social care sector.”

Disability and Migration Network logo underneath
13118
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
A statement from Graeae. Graeae stands in solidarity with trans and non-binary people and remains committed to creating safe and inclusive spaces for all. Read full statement below. graeae.org/resource/gra...
graeae.org
Graeae stands in solidarity - Graeae
094
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Mandy Colleran @disabilitydiva.bsky.social · 12/05/2025
001
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 25/04/2025
We can't believe it's been a year since we released our BSL/Captioned version of Jenny Sealey’s Desert Island Discs and we still can't get enough of it! Have you ever wondered which book, luxury item, and eight tracks Jenny Sealey would take to a desert island? 👇 graeae.org/resource/des...
graeae.org
Desert Island Discs- Jenny Sealey - Graeae
013
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Resolution Foundation @resolutionfoundation.org · 28/03/2025
How could changes to benefits affect households?
Graphic showing Jo and Chris, a couple. 
Neither are in work
Jo cares for Chris who is living with a disability
They claim UC after April 2016 and receive the LCWRA and carer elements, and Chris receives PIP
 They could lose £10,300.
044
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 26/03/2025
We are opposed to the government’s announcement of more cuts and freezes to resources that support Deaf, Disabled, neurodivergent, chronically ill people, and those with lived experience of mental health to live equitably in UK society. Check out our open letter here: tinyurl.com/2wb2bbhb
Cream background, red Graeae logo. Black text reads, An open letter in regard to proposed resource cuts.
0912
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Resolution Foundation @resolutionfoundation.org · 26/03/2025
More than two-thirds of the confirmed welfare cuts will fall on the poorest half of the country.
Chart showing estimated annual impact of the confirmed changed to PIP and UC by income vigintile
2818
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Frances Ryan @francesryan.bsky.social · 20/03/2025
Some disabled people could lose £10k a year in benefits by end of decade under Labour’s reforms. The planned cuts will deliver a series of “painful income shocks”, with families facing losing multiple entitlements at once Me & @patrickjbutler.bsky.social report www.theguardian.com/world/2025/m...
theguardian.com
Some disabled people could lose £10k a year in benefits by end of decade
Experts say planned cuts will deliver series of ‘painful income shocks’ for many
717161
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 24/01/2025
Join our team in Hoxton! If you are a finance professional with accountancy qualifications or significant financial management experience and with an interest in theatre, this may be an opportunity for you. Deadline: Monday 10 Feb. Apply here: graeae.org/job/finance-...
Red background with white text that reads Graeae we're looking for a Finance Manager
045
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 07/01/2025
We're super excited to be showcasing three specially commissioned short plays at our New Writing Festival. Directed by Jenny Sealey & Nickie Miles-Wildin. Check out the writers and their plays and book your ticket! Saturday 25 & Sunday 26 January at Rich Mix. graeae.org/project/new-...
Bright pink and black background. Text reads Graeae's New Writing Festival. Three new short plays by Madeleine Farnhill, Jordon Grant and Jesse Stone.
154
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 17/12/2024
Join us for Graeae's New Writing Festival on 25 & 26 January 2025, at Rich Mix, Bethnal Green! Celebrate Deaf, Disabled, and neurodivergent playwrights with readings, panel discussions, and networking. Tickets now available. Don't miss out! More info: graeae.org/project/new-...
Bright pink background with white and black boxes with text inside that reads Graeae's New Writing Festival
0127
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 10/12/2024
The Guardian has followed John Kelly, a long-time member of the Graeae collective, over the last couple of months to create this feature. We fully agree with John’s take on the concerns around the attitudes towards Disabled people by the previous and the current government. tinyurl.com/dvauvjbb
tinyurl.com
The 'war' on disabled people and my fight for an independent life – video
Disability services in the UK have been consistently cut after 14 years of Tory rule and austerity, but with the promise of change from a new Labour government, musician and activist John Kelly is con...
176
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 03/12/2024
Today we are celebrating. We are celebrating our community of artists, leaders, campaigners, disrupters, innovators, and changers. We are celebrating Disabled joy. We are celebrating the incredible strides the Disability Rights Movement and Disability Arts Movement have made.
Cream background, multi-coloured confetti along the top edge. Disability pride flag in the middle, five stripes across a black background going from the upper left corner to the bottom right corner. The colours of the stripes are: green, blue, white, yellow, and red. Black text reads: International Day of Disabled People 2024.
11710
Reposted by Kevin Walsh
Graeae Theatre Company @graeaetheatre.bsky.social · 27/11/2024
We are thrilled to announce Graeae Young Company's new show, The Anchors and The Sails. This latest show from Graeae’s Young Company is about seeking joyful sanctuary from global concerns and everyday troubles, helped along by a boat, a book and bucket of mysteries! tinyurl.com/3exhpzdu
Aerial view of a campsite with chairs in a circle around a cosy warm fire. A tropical jungle surround the outside.
0135