Benched by Tink Flaherty

Why do we treat strangers better than our friends and family? 

Since 2018, Tink has been taking their bench out to public locations across the country and inviting strangers to sit with them, in a quest to find authentic forms of connection.   

Benched is a unique exploration of human relationships – the formative and defining ones with those close to us, and the incidental meetings with strangers that stop us in our tracks. Through their unique style of transgentle storytelling, Tink demonstrates the radical and transformative power of offering undivided attention. At once raw and impulsive, confrontational and gentle, Benched confronts intersecting issues of class, gender, neurodivergence and marginalisation, expanding performance tropes and challenging compulsory neuronormativity.   

Prepare for a tender, spontaneous and uncompromising insight into Tink’s world, told through mementos, stories and improvised exchanges.

Age guidance: 16+
Running time: 60-70 mins (no interval)

Produced by Artsadmin. Supported with public funding from Arts Council England’s Project grants.

Access Information:

The Space 

• There will be space for the performers and space for the audience to sit.  

• There will be objects placed on the seats where the audienc will sit 

• At the start of the performance, the stage will be empty.  

• When Tink walks in, a wooden bench will be place in the centre of the stage.  

• As the show continues, Tink will collect objects from the audience and place them on the stage around the bench.  

Lighting and Sound 

• There are no strobes or flashing lights  

• There are no moments of complete darkness 

• There will be loud music at 3 moments during the show.  

Participation 

At the beginning, audience members will be asked to look after the performer’s objects that are placed on the audience seating. The performer may ask for these objects during the show.  

During the performance there will be moments where the performer will make eye contact with and talk to the audience. They may bring audience members up to the stage.  

Participation is optional and the start of the show, the performer explains where you can sit if you do not want to participate.

Content Notes 

• The performance makes reference to themes of addiction and domestic violence. 

• There will be sealed alcohol and prescription medication in the space. 

• There are moments of loud sound during the performance.