CripTales

Watch CripTales

  • 2020
  • 1 Season
  • 6.9  (29)

CripTales is a groundbreaking seven-part anthology series produced by BBC America that explores different aspects of disability, told from the perspective of seven disabled writers and performed by a cast of disabled actors. The show's unique approach to storytelling aims to challenge common stereotypes and misconceptions around disability and provide a platform for disabled voices to tell their own stories. Each episode of CripTales features a stand-alone story that highlights the experiences and struggles of disabled people, from dating and relationships to navigating the healthcare system and employment. The show tackles serious issues, but it also has a sense of humor and humanity that makes it accessible to audiences of all backgrounds. One of the standout episodes of CripTales is "The Real Deal," which was written by Mat Fraser and performed by Liz Carr. In this episode, Carr plays herself as she recounts her journey from aspiring actress to becoming a disability rights activist and comedian. The episode is a hilarious and heartwarming look at Carr's life and her experiences as a disabled person in the entertainment industry. Another notable episode is "Through the Gates," which was written by Tom Wentworth and performed by Carly Houston. In this episode, Houston plays a woman named Rachel who is trying to navigate the world of online dating as a disabled person. Rachel meets a man named Dave online, and they quickly hit it off, but Rachel is hesitant to reveal her disability to him. The episode deals with themes of acceptance and vulnerability, and Houston's performance is both charming and relatable. "Break Up/ Break Down," written by Jack Thorne and performed by Ruth Madeley, is another standout episode of the show. Madeley plays a woman named Sarah who is trying to navigate a break up while also dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury. The episode highlights the challenges of adjusting to a new disability while also trying to move on from a toxic relationship. It's a powerful and emotional performance from Madeley, who draws on her own experiences as a disabled person to deliver a truly authentic portrayal. CripTales is a truly groundbreaking series that provides a platform for disabled voices to tell their own stories. Its unique storytelling approach challenges common stereotypes and misconceptions and shines a light on the experiences and struggles of disabled people. The performances from the cast of disabled actors are exceptional, and the writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a must-watch show for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of disability and for disabled people who want to see their experiences reflected on screen.

CripTales
Filter by Source

Seasons
The Real Deal
6. The Real Deal
October 1, 2020
Meg is looking out her window trying to catch sight of a man whom she thinks is a benefits cheat. She is compiling details about him in order to shop him for fraud. But unexpectedly, he forges a friendship with her and encourages her to claim more benefits for herself. A dark and witty tale set against the benefits system in the U.K.
The Shed
5. The Shed
October 8, 2020
A children's writer finds herself falling in love with Keira, her next-door neighbor. But Ellie, her caregiver, does not approve of the relationship. She starts to subtly block and subvert the romance, with dangerous consequences. A chilling tale exploring the power that a caregiver can exert over a wheelchair user's life.
Hamish
4. Hamish
October 1, 2020
It's 1981. Hamish's parents have been fundraising to buy him a new wheelchair. Crucially, it is a self-operated vehicle, and a chance for independence. Pushed everywhere by caregivers before this, Hamish heads for the woods to find sexual pleasure. But he hasn't counted on such rough terrain...
Thunderbox
3. Thunderbox
October 1, 2020
It is 1968, and Sue is in the toilet at a Pop Festival. Abortion has recently been legalized; it's a moment of liberation. But for Sue, a wheelchair user, it throws up difficult questions of bodies and belief. A whirlwind romance has left her pregnant. What should she do now?
Paper Knickers
2. Paper Knickers
October 1, 2020
Jackie is in a hospital bed. She is facing a decision about whether to have her leg amputated. As she thinks through her options, she explores her feelings for someone she has recently met, who seems interested in her. Will she have a chance of pursuing her romance with only one leg? A bold, witty exploration of what it is to be an amputee.
Audition
1. Audition
October 1, 2020
Mat sits in the waiting room before an audition, dreading how it will be. He re-lives some of his best and worst moments in auditions, and takes us back to his childhood where he unlocks the reasons for his fears, before finding the way to triumph...Or does he?
Description

CripTales is a groundbreaking seven-part anthology series produced by BBC America that explores different aspects of disability, told from the perspective of seven disabled writers and performed by a cast of disabled actors. The show's unique approach to storytelling aims to challenge common stereotypes and misconceptions around disability and provide a platform for disabled voices to tell their own stories.

Each episode of CripTales features a stand-alone story that highlights the experiences and struggles of disabled people, from dating and relationships to navigating the healthcare system and employment. The show tackles serious issues, but it also has a sense of humor and humanity that makes it accessible to audiences of all backgrounds.

One of the standout episodes of CripTales is "The Real Deal," which was written by Mat Fraser and performed by Liz Carr. In this episode, Carr plays herself as she recounts her journey from aspiring actress to becoming a disability rights activist and comedian. The episode is a hilarious and heartwarming look at Carr's life and her experiences as a disabled person in the entertainment industry.

Another notable episode is "Through the Gates," which was written by Tom Wentworth and performed by Carly Houston. In this episode, Houston plays a woman named Rachel who is trying to navigate the world of online dating as a disabled person. Rachel meets a man named Dave online, and they quickly hit it off, but Rachel is hesitant to reveal her disability to him. The episode deals with themes of acceptance and vulnerability, and Houston's performance is both charming and relatable.

"Break Up/ Break Down," written by Jack Thorne and performed by Ruth Madeley, is another standout episode of the show. Madeley plays a woman named Sarah who is trying to navigate a break up while also dealing with the aftermath of a spinal cord injury. The episode highlights the challenges of adjusting to a new disability while also trying to move on from a toxic relationship. It's a powerful and emotional performance from Madeley, who draws on her own experiences as a disabled person to deliver a truly authentic portrayal.

CripTales is a truly groundbreaking series that provides a platform for disabled voices to tell their own stories. Its unique storytelling approach challenges common stereotypes and misconceptions and shines a light on the experiences and struggles of disabled people. The performances from the cast of disabled actors are exceptional, and the writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking. It's a must-watch show for anyone looking to broaden their understanding of disability and for disabled people who want to see their experiences reflected on screen.

  • Premiere Date
    October 1, 2020
  • IMDB Rating
    6.9  (29)