On Wednesday 30 October 2024, at Rich Mix, London, Graeae hosted a charity night, Rights Not Charity, to raise money to continue to make accessible theatre, support our young companies, and create a network of Disabled artists across the country who have faced barriers in the arts industry.

The event consisted of live music, a raffle, a silent auction, and a celebration of Graeae. Hosting the event, we had Miss Jacqui, a poet and songwriter who works with Graeae Young Company and is an integral part of our community. The night featured music from our hit Ian Dury musical, Reasons to be Cheerful and we also had special guest Chaz Jankel from The Blockheads himself join us on the night to perform.

We want to say a huge thank you to everyone involved on the night and the individuals and companies who donated auction and raffle items and of course a big thank you to Rich Mix for having us.

View of Visual Guide of the night

Our silent auction was run through GiveFund.

Some of the lots for the auction included:

Dame Emma Thompson’s dressing gown from the set of Matilda
A special tea date with Jenny Agutter and Jenny Sealey
Artwork from our patron, Sir Peter Blake
Printed original written lyrics from musician, Ian Dury
VIP Tour of Coronation Street
Signed Spun Chair by designer Thomas Heatherwick
Weekend away at The Grand York Hotel

We were specifically raising money for our Young Company and an upcoming Graeae production, Bad Lads.

Young Company: Our Young Company of Deaf, Disabled, and/or neurodivergent children aged 6-11 and 14+ are a fundamental part of Graeae. Not only are they the next generation of artists, they also inform company policy, and are our ambassadors. Our Young Company develops their theatre making skills and explores the world of drama, in a creative and supportive environment. We meet all access requirements including providing BSL and SSE interpreters, and Access Support Workers. There are no fees, no auditions, and all projects are led by Deaf and Disabled artists.

Bad Lads: In the 70s, Thatcher government announced the Short Sharp Shock policy for dealing with young offenders (aged 16-25). Medomsley Detention Centre was one of the locations that young people were sent. From the moment they arrived they were subject to horrific abuse. Over 1,000 men came forward to tell the authorities of their experiences, very few of the predators were brought to justice. These men now want their story told. They have been working with Jenny Sealey, Graeae’s artistic director, to develop the narrative of the production. Great care has been taken to build trust and reassure this group of men that the play they want will be created sensitively and by telling their own truths.