LOL Theatre received a grant to produce their “Rita Ranger show” as a free event across Northamptonshire. Not only was there a focus on accessible theatre, but in accessible performance – children were allowed to be inquisitive, to chat with the actors, to get involved. Part of the importance of funding was founder Emma Kendrick’s own advocacy in paying professionals in a world where creatives are often exploited; and her work in ensuring theatre is a safe and comfortable experience for neurodivergent individuals.

From LOL Theatre:
Vicki Laughton from Rockingham Forest Trust said “…The shows were a fantastic addition to the event, relevant to families, educational and fun.” She wanted to pass on her gratitude that we were able to offer the shows for free which allowed them to fundraise for an inclusive, accessible play area that they want to build on site.

Feedback from parents and guardians, included how lovely it was to have something so relevant to both children and adults, how the show had engaged the children throughout (we had a few come and watch it twice!) and how the facts will really stick in their minds as they were presented in a fun and entertaining way.

Many of the young people who came to see the shows…were from disadvantaged backgrounds and some of them had never seen a theatre show before. The impact that seeing this show will have had on these children in particular is immeasurable. We also had a group of vulnerable adults with learning disabilities come to one of the performances and they joined in with all of the activities and thoroughly enjoyed the performance, giving us ‘two thumbs up’.

Overall the show was seen by a total of 634 people during ten performances in three locations across Northamptonshire. This is a fantastic result, and has helped us to reach a wider community across our county, reaching young people and vulnerable adults, educating people about what’s on their doorstep, and most of all, bringing joy, laughter, and cohesion across ages, backgrounds and cultures through the magic of theatre. Thank you for helping us to continue in our mission to make theatre accessible and affordable to everyone.

A Home 4 Harmony in itself used the arts as a means to prompt discussion about disability and inclusion as it told the story of an assistance dog who then had to share her home with a stray cat. This production toured libraries in Northamptonshire as well as schools, and was part of an educational package with support for teachers, parents and carers to encourage young people to talk about their feelings – in the way the characters did.

From The People’s Theatre Collective:
The project reached 412 people across 10 interactive performance workshops in Northamptonshire.

• The inclusion of SEND-friendly practices, such as the use of Makaton and sensory theatre, created a deeply engaging and accessible environment for all attendees.
• Audiences, especially families, expressed their appreciation for the accessibility and convenience of attending performances in local libraries.

As part of our commitment to sustainability, we made conscious efforts to minimize the environmental impact of the project. By touring local libraries and community venues across Northamptonshire, we reduced the need for long- distance travel and encouraged local participation.

The emotional resonance of the show was reflected in audience surveys. A significant portion of feedback emphasized how well the performance communicated emotional themes. When surveyed, 17% of people highlighted the emotional depth of the story as the most impactful aspect of the show: “Should be done far and wide, stimulating young minds in a positive way”.

Carers described their children’s experiences in strong terms, using words like “engrossed,” “captivated,” “transfixed,” and “engaged”. 27% of surveyed people rated the interac]ve elements of the show, such as sensory props, music, and movement, most highly. These elements allowed young audiences to engage with emotions in a hands-on way, learning Makaton sign to label emotions, and advising the characters as to how to self regulate and resolve their conflict: “it was funny when the dog chased the cat, but better when they had the cuddle” – young audience member.

“It made me happy! I’m going to ask my mummy to take me to the theatre again,” is a testament to how accessible and enjoyable the show was for young audiences.

With unexpected outcomes such as the libraries reporting a surge in attendance, and people voicing how unaffordable the theatre experience is becoming, there is a continued need for such events.