- author, Molly Brewer
- role, BBC News
A theatre company made up of actors with learning disabilities is celebrating 30 years of performing “accessible, thought-provoking” shows.
Salford's DIY Theatre Company began as a small group of people who wanted the opportunity to express themselves on stage.
Currently, the company has over 40 actors and regularly performs in the community and at professional schools.
Creative director Sue Caudle said the company had encapsulated “what theatre is” and given members a chance to have a say while “making us realise we have an incredible craft”.
“The work we do is about people who don't have the opportunity to have their voice heard or have their say,” she said.
“That's exactly what this group of people wanted to do with theater.”
She added that DIY is always an inspiring place to work because members generate an abundance of creative ideas.
“It's non-judgmental and doesn't matter what mistakes you make,” said Charlotte Little, a colleague at the company.
“We all support each other.”
Angela Chadwick, a member since the company's inception, said the company has become a big part of her life.
“At first I was shy and didn't talk to anyone,” she recalls, but then she grew to become one of the troupe's stars.
These days, she represents the troupe at conferences, and she vows to never stop being a part of the DIY theater group.
Dave Austin, another founding member, has been in every production of the company for the past 30 years and said he especially enjoys touring and visiting schools because he loves working with children.
Fellow executive Scott Lawrie said it was a “real honour” to be part of the company.
“I like it because it gets me out of the house and I get to meet new people.”
He said the company's longevity “just proves how well our people have done and how much work they've really put into the company.”
“When we started, people didn't think their voices would be heard,” Caudle said.
“They felt like they were the ones who needed help. They weren't the ones who could help other people.”
“I think for a lot of our members it's been a journey of realizing what incredible skills they have.”
DIY Theatre will be staging a special performance featuring the film Exploring our Past, Shaping our Futures as part of its 30th anniversary celebrations at Salford University's New Adelphi Theatre later on Tuesday.