Theatre show is so much fun for young audiences
SHOWS FOR YOUNGSTERS WHO HAVE ADDITIONAL
A NORTH East theatre company currently touring their newest show in the region is ensuring that no child is left out of the exciting and fun world of entertainment.
Timbadash theatre was set up to produce immersive experiences for children with additional needs in the North East. Creating “fun, vibrant and accessible” shows, the founders promise to place each young member of their audience “at the heart of everything we do”.
The group was set up in partnership with Hadrian School in Newcastle, which caters for the needs of pupils up to the age of 11 with a range of additional needs including multiple learning difficulties.
Students and staff at the school were involved in the making of their newest creation, Grubbin’s Wood.
The show follows the tale of Mr Grubbin, who is the caretaker of Grubbin’s Wood and enlists the help of Fox and Mole to help things grow. The multi-sensory and accessible show has been designed specifically for young people with additional and complex needs, to ensure that they are able to enjoy the same fun experiences as other children.
Performed outdoors in a pop-up theatre space so that their young audiences can be immersed in the great outdoors, Grubbin’s Wood visited Sunningdale School in Sunderland as well as its home of Hadrian School in June and is set to stop off in Kirkleatham.
Everyone from neurodiversity specialists to teaching staff from Special Educational Needs (SEN) schools were
NEEDS
on hand in the rehearsal room, and organisers have made sure to include a number of additional measures to make the show accessible as possible including the use of Makaton sign language.
Founded by Jack Lloyd, Jonah York and Liv Hunt, Timbadash also runs several other shows and tailor-made workshops across the region.
While Grubbin’s Wood is a sold-out show, those interested in attending future performances can visit the Timbadash website to see their latest lineup and get in touch with the team.
Co-founder and actor Jack said: “What I love most about working with Timbadash Theatre is how flexible and adaptable our work is. No show is ever the same, with every show being completely responsive to the young audiences.”
“What stands out for me is the transformations that the young people can go on whilst engaging with the show,” added co-founder Liv Hunt.
“We often have young people entering the space who are feeling distressed, haven’t slept, or are feeling unwell.
“But if we do find something that they find engaging, then often we see a change in the young person and it is brilliant to see them leave the space calmer and more at ease.”