Ramps on the Moon to stage The Who's Tommy

The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich have announced The Who's Tommy will be their second touring production for spring 2017 in association with Ramps On The Moon.

Based on the iconic 1969 rock concept album, Tommy was made into a musical in 1992 and follows Tommy, a pinball-playing boy who triumphs over his adversities. Directed by Theatre Royal Stratford East artistic director Kerry Michael, the show features music and lyrics by The Who's Pete Townshend with a book by Townshend and Des McAnuff.

Ramps On The Moon comprises of seven major theatre companies which put Deaf and disabled artists at the centre of their work. Their first production The Government Inspector is currently touring the UK.

All performances of Tommy will be fully accessible including a creative combination of British sign language, audio description and captioning.

Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England, said: "Ramps on the Moon is a project of huge importance to the Arts Council and so we are delighted to hear that Tommy will be the next production. The Government Inspector has already demonstrated how much of an impact these inclusive productions can have, not just for audiences and cast members, but for the venues themselves. I look forward to seeing Tommy continue this impetus, helping to bring about lasting change in the UK’s disability arts provision."