LONDON, UK. August 27th, 2026 – A new stage production examining the realities of love, relationships and independence for disabled people will make its London debut this September, bringing a largely disabled cast together for a musical that challenges how disability and romance are represented in the arts.
Sex & Disability, written by stroke survivor and Army veteran Damian Darkness, will be staged at Artsdepot in Barnet from 15 to 19 September 2026.
The musical follows Nick, a young stroke survivor living in full-time care with his mother. Longing for independence and companionship, Nick begins an online relationship with Lucinda. When Jasmine, his new carer, enters his life, his understanding of love and relationships begins to change.
The production explores a subject that is still rarely represented on stage: disabled people as individuals who want love, intimacy, connection and independence.
Sex & Disability features an almost entirely disabled cast, including performers with both visible and non-visible disabilities.
“I wrote this work as I could tell that society is uncomfortable with the idea of someone disabled having a love life,” said Damian Darkness.
“Where there is this discomfort and the human condition, I feel like there is room for a play.”
Damian began writing in 2017 following the stroke that changed his life. His previous work includes Running Mate, Bunga Bunga!, Hacker Opera and the sell-out Army Girl, which was staged in London in 2021.
The production features an original score by composer and musical director Mishkin Fitzgerald, with music that moves between comedy, heartbreak and passion.
“This is such an exciting production, and it’s never been done before,” said Mishkin Fitzgerald. “There just isn’t enough art out there showing disabled people in romantic relationships, and bringing this to light has been a real joy and a privilege.”
Through its story and casting, the production seeks to challenge established stereotypes about disability while placing disabled performers and their experiences at the heart of the narrative.
Sex & Disability runs from 15 to 19 September 2026 at Artsdepot, Nether Street, Barnet, London.
To buy tickets, visit artsdepot.co.uk/event/sex-disability
