THE INVITE

Mind The Gap, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture

Set Design by Ruby Law

The Invite is an immersive theatre experience created by Mind the Gap, England’s leading learning disability performance and arts company, recognised for championing inclusion and diversity in the arts. Presented at The Beacon as part of Bradford 2025, the production unfolded over one unforgettable evening in the pub, blending humour, honesty, and intimacy.

The evening began as a surprise party, with audiences welcomed into the pub, greeted by the cast, and invited to sign a birthday card for Harley, the guest of honour, who longs to disappear. A live band played from the corner stage, pendant lights hung overhead, and glowing speaker boxes surrounded the space. The concentric layout of the room created a sense of togetherness, capturing the warmth and buzz of a pub while holding the intimacy of live storytelling.

As the performance developed, the narrative shifted to reveal the daily lives of six friends before they arrived at the party. Devised with director Rich Rusk, these stories were rooted in the lived experiences of the performers: Theo, Jo, Charlotte, Alan, Jake, and Cara, and were brought to the stage with honesty and humour.

Accessibility shaped the design at every level. From circulation routes and material choices to lighting and sound, each element was considered to ensure both comfort and inclusivity. Audio description, creative captioning, and touch tours were integrated into the production. Working alongside Mind the Gap and their access consultant offered valuable insight into how design can support meaningful inclusion.

The Invite was a reminder that theatre is not only about spectacle, but also about connection and community. It was an honour to design this environment and to collaborate with such a talented and generous team.

Creative Director: Charli Ward | Executive Producer: Maria Thelwell | Director: Rich Rusk | Set Designer: Ruby Law [RULA] | Lighting Designer: Lucy Adams | Sound Designer: Mark Melville | Production Manager: Caroline Sheard | Stage Manager on book: Heather Newsham | Assistant Stage Manager: Alison Colborne 

Photography Credit: RULA Design Studio

The Invite, immersive theatre set design by Ruby Law (RULA) at The Beacon, Bradford 2025. Cast performing around a glowing circular pub bar with pendant lights, bunting, and live band on stage.
The Invite set design by Ruby Law (RULA). Live band performs on a raised stage with illuminated speaker stacks and glowing circular lights, under a projected banner reading “Welcome to The Beacon”.
The Invite immersive set by Ruby Law (RULA). Cast holding books under projection banner with lyrics, in front of glowing green speaker boxes and pub-inspired staging.
The Invite theatre set by Ruby Law (RULA). Performer covered in a colourful costume made from hundreds of sticky notes, lit against glowing blue scenic spheres.
The Invite set design, Ruby Law (RULA). Ensemble cast with large orange props around the illuminated circular pub bar centrepiece, projection banner overhead.
The Invite immersive pub environment by Ruby Law (RULA). Actor at bar counter beneath glowing circular light feature, live musicians performing in background.
The Invite set design, Ruby Law (RULA). Cast and audience celebrate under projection banner “Happy Birthday Harley”, surrounded by glowing purple speaker stacks and bunting.
The Invite immersive set, designed by Ruby Law (RULA). Performers in front of circular pub bar, engaging with audience in colourful party atmosphere.
The Invite immersive party scene, set by Ruby Law (RULA). Audience and cast gathered around pub bar with projection banner overhead, celebrating Harley’s birthday.
The Invite production photo by Ruby Law (RULA). Actor framed beneath large circular overhead light at pub bar, audience seated around in immersive layout.
The Invite design visualisations by Ruby Law (RULA). Digital renders showing immersive pub layout with central bar, live band stage, bunting and projected banners, later realised at The Beacon for Bradford 2025.
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