Carlisle Green Room Theatre set to launch workshops for adults with learning disabilities

The Carlisle Green Room Theatre at West Walls in Carlisle is hoping to get it's new theatre group up and running at the beginning of January.

Kath Paterson at The Green Room Theatre said she was thought about setting the group up after receiving an enquiry from two separate people who were autistic.

She said: "I invited each of them down to the theatre to show them around and chat about our events and how they could become involved in the Club. Their enthusiasm and love of the theatre was apparent and they both dearly wanted to be part of a production.

"This gave me the idea of setting up a group specifically for people with learning difficulties, so that they could enjoy being part of the theatre in a relaxed and stress free environment.

"Having a family member with these difficulties I know only too well how hard it is for them to achieve what others find easy and I am aware how hard it is to find something appropriate for their abilities."

Kath added that she had a lot of help from fellow Green Room Club member, Debbie Armstrong.

The new group is being overseen by amateur theatre director and actor, Stewart Grant.

Stewart said the group will involve workshops that will focus on all the skills needed for theatre, including acting.

The group will introduce people to other aspects of theatre, like set design, lighting and costume work.

Stewart said: "The major content of the workshops will be on acting and putting a play together."

He added that is was a good opportunity to make theatre more accessible to a wider group of people.

Stewart said: "Theatre is incredibly important in society and everyone who wants to participate should have the chance to do so."

The Green Room Theatre, which has been in Carlisle since 1951 recently welcomed people back through its doors with a production of Handbagged.

The production will be running until October 16.