A love of drama and musical theatre has seen a group of gentlemen supported at Elysium service, The Woodlands, emerge as stars of stage and screen as part of the Inter Theatre Company.
Three of the people supported at the residential service have been attending a local performance group in Newcastle-under-Lyme for more than a decade. The group offers high-quality, integrated performance arts sessions for individuals with and without learning and physical disabilities across the Midlands. In that time, they’ve starred in everything from motion pictures to stage shows.
Neil*, Gareth* and Will* recently shared their thoughts on the positive impact being involved in Inter Theatre has had on them, and some of the highlights of their acting and singing careers so far.
Neil said, “The latest production was Jesus Christ Superstar. We had to audition for parts and you get some nerves, but it’s really fun. I like being part of a team.” The production was such a hit that, following popular demand, it will return to the stage in July.
Gareth had one of the main parts, playing the central role of Pilate. He said: “It was a big role and there were lots of lines to learn. It took a long time to learn them. I was a bit nervous on stage, but I still did it. It felt really good afterwards, and everyone helped me practice.”
Will added: “I like the after parties!”
Some of the group featured in the BAFTA-winning film Marvellous, starring Toby Jones, including two of the gentlemen – Neil and Gareth – supported at The Woodlands.
Neil said: “That was a great experience. We got to meet Toby Jones, and we sang. We were also in another film called Humanus.” Being part of the film saw the group invited to its premiere.
Joanne Woolliscroft, the manager of the service which supports people with learning disabilities and autism, added: “We have close links to the local community, and the three gentlemen really enjoy going to the group’s rehearsals. It’s a chance to meet lots of different people. Everyone has a say and a voice in the group, and everyone is listened to. They work together, which can sometimes be challenging for autistic people.
“The group is a multi-ability group and the sessions are four hours every Wednesday. The team is always keen to go, they really enjoy it and their achievements have been fantastic to see. As well as productions, there have been performances in shopping centres, garden centres and care homes.
“The house is always full of song, from karaoke to CDs. It’s a really vibrant and happy house. It’s wonderful to see them shine on stage, to see the confidence they have.”
