All of Us review

All of Us is a play by Francesca Martinez, currently running at the National Theatre in London. It is in the Dorfman theatre. I found the wheelchair accessibility really good and had a great view.

I’m not going to try and not put spoilers here, as it is definitely a play you should experience for yourself.

It is based on real life experiences of disabled people in the current political environment. When I say it’s relatable, most disabled people will probably find so much of it relates to their own story.

Francesca Martinez has skilfully written a play which will take you through every emotion. So many wonderful characters that I’d want to hang out with!

There’s an amazing scene with all the lights up and actors around the audience. I was so close to joining in, it was brilliantly written and in daily life something I’d be at and talking in as much as some of those characters. I definitely said ‘b*ll*cks’ a bit too loudly at one point and my wife was worried I was going to join in the play! (Apologies, as someone who spends a lot of time raising disability rights issues, I had to remind myself it was a play and I wasn’t an actor!)

I laughed and cried in nearly equal measure (yes I needed tissues before the interval!). I was angered and came out with a renewed fight against the ableist structures and systems in this country.

It further reminded me of how deeply disabled peoples lives are dangling at the mercy of other people. Often other people with no desire to preserve them or make them manageable. I’m acutely aware that a PIP review could result in me losing the things I’ve fought so hard for (keeping my job, ways to be mobile/independent).

I’d love for everyone to see this play to have just a glimpse into what some parts of life are like for disabled people. Sadly I think those who need to see it most won’t bother. If they did, they’d no doubt proclaim it a fantasy play of complete fiction, rather than the reality it depicts.

All of us did remind me why I fight so hard and relentlessly. Ableism is rife in society, propped up by the structures it puts in place to ‘support’ disabled people. I hate that society is like this and creates such hardship every day.

Disabled people matter.

Make sure disabled people realise they matter.

Date of visit 17 September 2022