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British Theatre of the Deaf (BTD) - links and resources

Way back in the 1960's and 70's Pat Keysell (of Vision On fame) first set up the RNID Mime Group, which became the National Theatre of the Deaf (NTD), renamed the British National Theatre of the Deaf (BTD).  (It was renamed to avoid a clash with the National Theatre of the Deaf in America).

My mum, Lydia Handscomb, joined the Summer Schools, run by Pat through the RNID, with financial support from her Local Authority.  She then joined the NTD, becoming one of their lead actresses, and becoming the first Deaf woman in England to get Equity membership.

Because this all predates digital photography / filming, and the internet (!), there is very little information about this amazing time in Deaf history.  This webpage, along with the photos and videos posted on the Deaf Visual Archive, is my small attempt to address that.

Below you'll find links and resources to some amazing images, and places to find out more information.  Feel free to contact me if you have resources to share, or want to ask any questions.

Scroll to the end to see a film promoting the BTD from 1971.  Subtitles to be added later.
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Links (click to go to the websites):

Deaf Visual Archive (with film and video of summer schools, TOD and BTD).  Subtitles will be added soon.

My Years with the British Theatre of the Deaf: 1963 to 1977, by Ian Stewart.  With many photos, stories, letters, and a detailed history, this is the only book about the BTD.  You can purchase a copy direct from the author.

Pat Keysell - Wikipedia article

The Most Dangerous Animal of All flyer

Many more to follow ...

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RNID Mime Group - dates and performances

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National and British Theatre of the Deaf - dates and performances

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Click here to download the spreadsheet, with RNID Mime Group, and National / British Theatre of the Deaf performances, including details of all the performances and poems.

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Film promoting British Theatre of the Deaf (1971).  No subtitles yet, will do when I've time to add.

BTD English from Darren on Vimeo.

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