National tour for multi-sensory show that brings the forest to life for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Difficulties
The Forest
Presented by Frozen Light in association with The New Wolsey
On Thursday 15 and Friday 16 October Frozen Light theatre company present their unmissable new production The Forest in Live Theatre’s fully accessible Studio Theatre. The Forest is created for teenage (13+) and adult audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD). It’s an intriguing multi-sensory tale, which immerses audiences in a world full of new sights, sounds, smells and sensations.
Part love story, part mythical quest, The Forest places audiences at the heart of the action in a mysterious wooded glade. The immersive, hour-long performance allows everyone to experience the smell of the forest before a storm, the feel of raindrops on their palms and the sounds of birds singing overhead or twigs cracking underfoot.
Theatre company Frozen Light devised the accessible, inclusive production especially for teenagers and adults with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).
After a premiere in May at the New Wolsey Theatre in Ipswich, The Public Reviews described the show as “the ultimate 3D live interactive performance” (see Notes to editors). Colchester based parent Sharon Slade, who saw the premiere with her daughter Lauren, said: “It was a sensory extravaganza…Lauren was totally transfixed”.
For many in the audience, says Frozen Light co-artistic director Amber Onat Gregory, it will be their first time in a mainstream theatre venue. She says:
“We want to enable people who rarely attend high street arts venues to experience the theatre With our 26-date tour, we hope to reach as many people with PMLD as possible.”
Lucy Garland, co-artistic director, adds:
“Through putting accessible theatre into theatre venues we hope to increase the visibility of people with PMLD and create activities for them to access within their local community.”
Frozen Light launched in 2013 as a response to arts venues that rarely cater for audiences with complex disabilities, although theatres are improving accessibility and offering relaxed performances for people who wouldn’t usually access the theatre. The Guardian recently published a good practice piece by Frozen Light on how to stage shows for people with profound disabilities (see Notes to editors).
Helen Moore, Director of Education and Engagement at Live Theatre, says:
“It is common place that theatre work for young people with PMLD often takes place in their school or care centre but once the young person has left, there is very little access to arts and culture available. At Live Theatre we are committed to ensuring that high quality theatre work and Live Theatre as a cultural venue can be enjoyed by everyone. We are delighted to be hosting Frozen Light Theatre Company and look forward to welcoming audiences to see this beautiful piece of work.”
Performing to an intimate audience, the three-strong cast accompanies the audience from the foyer into the performance space, ensuring a smooth transition into the theatre environment.
One-to-one interactions include singing directly to an audience member, or offering a prop to be explored through touch. Specially composed music is integrated throughout the performance.
The plot of The Forest involves a journey of self-discovery for the main characters, Thea (Gregory) and Robin (actor and musician Al Watts). Both dream of escaping their humdrum hometown existence, and a series of unexpected events, explained by caretaker of the forest and storyteller Ivy (Garland), result in an adventure into the forest, which changes their lives forever.
The Forest is currently on a nationwide tour. The 26 date tour from August to December includes venues in England, Wales and Scotland.
The Forest is at Live Theatre on Thursday 16 and Friday 17 October. Tickets cost £8 plus one free ticket for an accompanying carer or companion. Please note that places for this show are limited. There are also additional tickets available for friends and family members. For more information on The Forest and to buy tickets for schools and individuals please call our box office on (0191) 232 1232. For further information about the show including pre-show resources please visit Live Theatre’s websitewww.live.org.uk.
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