Come on Down 2015
On Tuesday 1st December, we had groups from all over Northumberland and Tyne and Wear come down to us in Blyth to perform, support and share. Groups included Parkhead Centre, Braena, Pottergate Centre, FilmAble from Haltwhistle Film Project, Liberdade, North Star Centre, Tynedale Centre to name a few. With a range of performances, films and the very exciting COME ON DOWN game, it was really a fantastic day had by all.
On Wednesday 2nd December, we had Mind the Gap join us for our workshop day. Mind the Gap are England’s largest learning disabled theatre company and came to us all the way from Bradford. Supported by bait, Mind the Gap’s group of 2 non-disabled artists and 6 disabled artists facilitated two workshops while Headway Arts’ associate artist Tom Burton facilitated the other two. Everyone who attended got to experience at least one workshop. Attendees included The Twisting Ducks, students from Cleaswell Hill School, learning disabled artists from Tynedale Centre in Hexham and The Pottergate Centre in Alnwick, as well as our artists from Headway Arts.
Headway Arts’ workshops explored the Come on Down 2015 theme of adventure with Tom discussing alternative dream holiday destinations and asking artists to put pen to paper.
Mind the Gap’s workshops also played with our theme of adventure through fun games and exercises that were thoroughly enjoyed by all. In the afternoon, the workshop has a specific focus – the legacy of the Magna Carta.
The final day of Come on Down was another performance day for Headway Arts’ Learning Disabled Theatre Company. The Stars presented Comet Tales, their original drama set in a galaxy far, far away powered only by the starlight of their dreams. Supported by an audience including The Dales School, Blyth Riverside Centre, Headway Arts’ family and friends, it was a lovely round off to Come on Down. We are all already looking forward to next year!
Come on Down was generously supported by the Hadrian Trust who paid for creative facilitation and food and by Bait (Woodhorn Museum) who paid for the visit by Mind the Gap. Additional costs were met by the fundraising efforts of members of Seven Stars.
Posted on December 5th 2015
