Jake Thow, a 30-year-old actor from Crossgates, Leeds, knows firsthand the life-changing impact of inclusive arts. Diagnosed with autism, Thow has been performing with Mind the Gap, England’s leading learning disability performance and live arts company, since 2018. Reflecting on his journey, he says the opportunities the organization has offered him have been transformative—not just for his career, but for his confidence and sense of belonging.
“I wouldn’t be where I am today without Mind the Gap,” Thow says. “I got to graduate from York St. John University as part of my training, which felt incredible—it was like a royal wedding in my head! Back in 2018, after shows at Leeds Playhouse ended due to renovations, I honestly didn’t know what my next step would be. That’s when I discovered Mind the Gap, and it changed everything.”
Founded in 1988 by Tim Wheeler and Susan Brown, Mind the Gap exists to create a space in the arts where learning disabled and autistic performers can thrive without discrimination. Over its 30-year history, the company has received consistent support from The National Lottery, via Arts Council England and the National Lottery Community Fund. That funding has enabled Mind the Gap to break down barriers, celebrate diversity, and give artists like Thow the platform to shine.
Thow recently graduated from the Performance Academy, a Level 4 course in theatre, dance, and music validated by York St. John University. The course equipped him with professional skills and confidence, helping him feel prepared to tackle larger stages and more ambitious productions. Now, he’s gearing up for The Invite, an immersive theatre experience commissioned by Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, set to run at The Beacon in Lister Park, Bradford, from September 17–20.
“The Invite is something really special,” Thow explains. “It combines music, movement, and raw storytelling, and our own life experiences helped shape the script. There’s a unique authenticity in what we do, and I hope people who have gone through similar challenges at school or in life can see themselves in our work. It’s an outlet, but it’s also a statement—learning disabilities don’t limit your ability to create or perform.”
Mind the Gap’s work is made possible by National Lottery funding, which has invested heavily in Bradford over the years. The company is just one example of how lottery-backed arts projects can transform communities. Between Arts Council England and the National Lottery Community Fund, more than £333 million has supported over 4,000 causes across Bradford’s 30 wards. Specifically, the £15.6 million investment in Bradford 2025 has enabled productions like The Invite, putting learning disabled and autistic artists at the forefront of the UK City of Culture celebrations.
Executive producer Maria Thelwell emphasizes the significance of this support: “Thanks to National Lottery funding, we can create bold, innovative productions and challenge perceptions of who gets to make and experience world-class theatre. It’s about proving that art is truly for everyone.”
Darren Henley, CEO of Arts Council England, echoed this sentiment, praising Mind the Gap for reflecting the lived experiences of learning disabled and autistic artists. “They are pivotal to our cultural landscape in Bradford, West Yorkshire, and beyond,” he said. “Supporting these productions allows communities to tell their stories, and it’s all made possible through public investment from taxpayers and National Lottery players.”
For Thow and his fellow performers, Mind the Gap is more than an arts company—it’s a life-changing platform where creativity meets inclusion, and where every performance carries the potential to inspire and empower.
Login