Sherman theatre, Cardiff
The remarkable true story of how the resident of a Cardiff institution and a student revolutionised supported living is told with agit-prop energy and via superb performances

Housemates – people banding together to share a living space. What could be more normal? Back in the 1970s, it wasn’t; or not for the 100,000 people deemed “sub-normal” and, under the feeble-minded (control) bill of 1912, segregated and put into institutions – often for life.

Two groups of young people challenged this situation: residents of one of those institutions, Cardiff’s Ely hospital, and students from the city’s university. Together, they brought about a revolution that resulted in the closure of about 90-plus institutions and the creation of a model of supported living that today is copied around the world.

Housemates is at the Sherman theatre, Cardiff, until 8 March, then touring at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and the Torch theatre, Milford Haven