Surrey theatre charity spreads festive cheer to young disabled students in Farnham

Surrey theatre charity spreads festive cheer to young disabled students in Farnham

Head2Head Sensory Theatre team performed its multi-sensory Christmas Pantomime, Dick Whittington, to young disabled students of Post19, a leading life Skills and Support Centre for young adults with learning difficulties in Farnham.

The show, designed especially for families with SEND has been touring Surrey, West Sussex and Kent since December 2021 bringing smiles to many who may not have been able to access conventional theatre.

Head2Head Artistic Director, Sara Cole said:

“After such a challenging last year with pandemic performances conducted over zoom, it has been a breath of fresh air for our cast to be able to perform live and re-engage with our audiences again in person.

“Working with Post19 was delightful. Their students really got involved with the story and we had many new characters taking part. That’s the magic of ‘relaxed performing’ and what we do, no show is ever the same.

Sara continues: “When you have learning disabilities or sensory issues, it can be hard to tolerate all the sensory issues that come with a children’s theatre-going experience. Our shows are promenade shows, they move around from space to space and are close-proximity, immersive, interactive, multi-sensory and Makaton signed. If it all gets too much we provide a break out space. If and when the participants wish to contribute we just go with it! Many a time we go completely off-script to incorporate a young person’s flight of imagination and we love it!

The Head2Head artistic team continue to create online shows and games which can be accessed from the comfort of your home – perfect for the winter months. These can be found on their website https://www.h2hsensorytheatre.com/whatson

Post19 is a leading Life Skills and Support Centre for young adults with learning difficulties. We are based in Farnham and support young adults throughout Surrey and Hampshire. Through accessing our community based programme, Post19 supports our young adults to lead a fulfilling and meaningful life and to reach their full potential. Based across three sites in Farnham, Post19 provides a friendly environment centred on the needs and interests of those who come to us.