The Fairytale of Jesse Ford

Industry Page

Recording of the Prototype, showing what the audience sees.

Key Information

Location-Based Mixed Reality Experience
Narrative driven Promenade-Style Performance part theatre part art installation
45 mins long – Made for galleries and theatres
Standard setting access features

The Experience

Inspired by Alice in Wonderland, The Fairytale of Jesse Ford follows Jesse as they’re pulled from ordinary life and cast deep into the rabbit hole of a surreal, dreamlike world. On a journey through fragmented memories and key moments from their past, Jesse must confront what they’ve been avoiding—to find the strength to step out of the past and into their future.

It’s an experience that blends digital artistry with real craft to produce a truly immersive experience.

An Immersive Mixed Reality Experience

The Fairytale of Jesse Ford is an innovative mix-reality theatrical experience that merges miniaturised sets, SFX, VFX, spatial audio, and actors with augmented reality technology.

Ambitious Set Design

Standard Setting Access Features

The accessibility for the experience is really considered, and the way they are proposing integrating all types of access for each show makes it feel inclusive and accessible in a way that isn’t a tack on but is genuinely considered.

Christopher Samuel

Artist

The project features a BSL option for every performance. For the full experience a leading Deaf actor will play the role of narrator and interpreter making the access feature integrated and a fulfilling narrative experience.

The project features a Audio Description option for every performance. It will have spatial orientation as well as description of the action. The AD will be creatively integrated into the narrators role, with them recording two different version of the experience.

The project features a Captioning option for every performance. For the full experience it will be creative captioning designed to fit into the aesthetic of the experience.

The location and sets are designed in a way for them to be accessible for wheelchair users and people with mobility based access needs.

This video shows the Access On-Boarding in headset

This is such an exciting prospect for audiences. Its use of Access is truly inclusive and the work from Ben Fredericks Collaborations is so thoughtful and moving, I’m just so excited to support the work and see the full version completed.

John Kirby

Attenborough Art Centre

Considered Access and Engagement

This project embeds inclusive practice not as an add-on but as a creative and structural foundation. Our aim is to shift perceptions, expand access, and open up opportunities for underrepresented audiences and artists. Engagement is embedded across the project’s development, delivery, and legacy.

The programme includes an Arts Award Discovery programme, family day, Deaf Awareness Day, and more.

Jackie Perkins

Deaf Ambassador

Led by Jackie, our Deaf Ambassador, the BSL Days will centre the experiences of Deaf and hard-of-hearing participants, with Jackie actively involved in outreach and recruitment.

Seema Mistry

Community Manager

Seema will lead on community engagement and workshop delivery, working with Phoenix to involve families and local communities, bringing the programme to life.

Marriana Pape

Access Lead

Marriana will lead on Access, with All In – Leicester, ensuring high standards are met and creating welcoming spaces where disabled communities feel included and valued.

Rebecca Harvey-Hobbs

Set Designer

Rebecca Harvey-Hobbs will lead on Set Design, creating accessible and inclusive spaces that spark imagination, alongside running fun, creative workshops for all.

Engagement Programme

1 BSL day
1 visual impairment awareness day
1 intersectionality in art day
1 family day
1 artist day
1 industry day
1 school workshop
Explore Arts Award project for 20 young people to build digital creative skills
4 relaxed performances
2 masked performances

Targets

Demonstrating the Change We Aim to Achieve

Success Measures
120+ participants across engagement days
20+ Explore Arts Award completions
100% of shows include BSL, AD, and creative captioning
3+ co-design sessions with disabled audiences
80%+ audience satisfaction on inclusion/access
3 inclusive resources shared at sector events
Learning & Adoption Targets
Short-term: Share practical models with 30+ artists and producers
Medium-term: 5+ creative teams trial inclusive elements within 12 months
Long-term: 2 new projects cite this one as an influence in their access planning