Dhamaka Arts creates bold, socially and politically driven theatre inspired by the lived experiences of Queer British Pakistani artist Sid Akbar. The company amplifies underrepresented voices, with a particular focus on queer people of colour, crafting stories that celebrate identity, intersectionality, and belonging.
Its work combines comedy, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity to foster empathy, inspire change, and bring communities together. Dhamaka Arts is committed to creating safe, inclusive spaces where audiences—particularly those from marginalised backgrounds—can see their experiences reflected, feel a sense of belonging, and engage with narratives that challenge norms and spark meaningful conversations.
Dedicated to redefining queer theatre, Dhamaka Arts prioritises collaboration, consent-driven practices, and the well-being of all involved. Through innovative storytelling and intimate, immersive experiences, the company celebrates diversity and provides a platform for voices that need to be heard.
Sid Akbar‘s work is deeply rooted in his personal experiences as a Queer British Pakistani from a Muslim background, and is driven by a passion for social and political change. For years, Sid found that there was a lack of representation for queer Muslim stories and roles for individuals like himself. As a result, he has dedicated his career to not only amplifying his own voice but also the voices of queer people of colour, working harder to ensure their stories are heard in a world that often overlooks them.
His work is a dynamic mix of comedy, emotion, and reflection, drawing on the complexities of his own life. Sid’s performances offer a rollercoaster of experiences that engage audiences both intellectually and emotionally. He aims to inspire empathy, provoke thought, and encourage positive change—especially for marginalised communities still fighting for representation and a voice.
As an artist, Sid’s goal is to create a sense of connection and belonging, often in intimate settings where audiences can engage directly with his work. Through his art, he strives to create a safe space for those whose voices are underrepresented, providing a platform for them to feel seen, heard, and celebrated. Ultimately, Sid’s work is about fostering understanding, community, and catharsis.
Jenn Wilson instigated the International Day of Consent (30th November) in 2018 and champions consent culture, delivering performances, writing, workshops, rituals, discussions, podcasts and festivals.
Based in Bradford, Yorkshire, UK, Jenn also founded Irregular Arts, from a belief that the arts can engage, challenge, delight and make change. Jenn performs as IrregularJenn as well as character-based work, including genderqueer drag character Mysti Valentine in cabaret, festivals, live art and street performance.
“I imagine what it might be like to live in the world I’d like to live in, and create spaces where it is possible for myself and others to experience that world.”
Jenn shares their lived experience through her creative work, working from an ethos of the personal as political. Queer, neurodivergent, relationship anarchist and solo parent, Jenn is also in Activist Residency at Leeds Beckett University Psychology Dept SSSH! Stigmatised Sexualities and Sexual Harm Research Group and Chair of Happy Valley Pride.
Ollie Ade, published as olayemi z. ade, as a Nigerian-Moroccan queer creative has always felt that representation is vital. They are a writer, playwright, and DJ, as well as working in the sustainability sector for film and television.
In 2023, Ollie screened their Iris International LGBT Film Prize-nominated film “God” at FACT Liverpool, produced by First Take as part of their Queer InSight Programme, and became a QueerCore Artist with Homotopia. They were also published in the poetry anthology ‘From The Ashes’ (Writing on the Wall) exploring identity and culture.
Their original play ‘Sass: A Chained Melody’ was performed in as part of the Homotopia Festival at the Everyman Playhouse. ‘Sass’ explores femininity, coercive control and queerness in the oppressive glares of the male gaze and religion. ‘Sass’ was subsequently brought to Unity Theatre to feature in the 2024 Up Next Festival. Ollie is currently writing a new play funded by the Black Joy Seed Commission, in collaboration with Everyman Playhouse & Theatre and Talawa Theatre Company.
Ollie’s goals in the industry are to disrupt and represent by creating art that fosters productive, transformative conversation in all spheres. Due to their experience of struggle, they also envision creating communities and space to allow Global Majority artists to build uninterrupted. Their influences include: Michaela Coel, Frantic Assembly and Lucy Prebble
Dhamaka Arts 