ON Saturday night (February 10), Crediton was briefly in possession of two mayors.

It was the last Crediton performance of the widely acclaimed play, "THE WASHING MACHINE OF DESTINY," which has been touring the South West thanks to Arts Council Funding.

Created and performed by home-grown talents Luca Saunders and Philip Robinson this feast of music, washing machines, superhero adventures, magic and even more music – has been informing audiences about the challenges and wonders of life on the autistic spectrum. 

Crediton Arts Centre, which has supported this venture since its inception, delighted the audience with a cast of "bonkers" characters, including Monsieur Le Mayor (and his wife, Madame n’est pas Le Mayor).

The "angry French man" posed with Crediton’s ACTUAL Mayor, Cllr Liz Brookes-Hocking, and they agreed – for one night only – to share responsibility for this "wonderful town". 

Actors Lizzie Lewendon and Nick Ward, visiting from London, said: “We realised from the start that we were in for something different. Every seat was full and the Mayor was in.

"The ‘relaxed rules’ which allow actors or audience to ‘call time’ and have a pause when needed, created a feeling of 'we’re all in this together’, and the show offered a hugely enjoyable insight into autism.

"We experienced sensory overload, chaos and surrealism, and the multiplicity of paths and choices at each turn.

"A real highlight was the movement between the script and then the abrupt changes into improvisation as real autistic intervention kicked in: almost revelatory in its impact.

"The audience felt invited and included, especially when the action was punctuated with the actors sitting to answer questions from the audience.

"The warm connection and openness from the performers made for a rarely found and wholly delightful theatrical experience.”

If you have missed out on The Washing Machine of Destiny, there are only three remaining shows: Tiverton Library (April 19), and two nights at Exeter’s Barnfield Theatre (May 10 and 11).