Classic performance is a thing of beauty

Take a Bow drama group was founded around two years ago to support adults with learning difficulties develop their acting and stage skills.

Based at Newhampton Arts Centre, Dunkley Street, Wolverhampton, the group rehearse every Monday for two hours, putting on at least two productions a year. The group is totally self-funding and is looking to raise up to £1,000 through its latest show in order to keep running.

The group's last show, Cinderella, was performed at the Arena Theatre, Wulfruna Street, in December. Now, members are to perform their version of Beauty & the Beast in a matinee and evening show at at the Newhampton Arts Centre tomorrow.

Since joining the group, many members have reported a change in their mental health and outlook, poignant at a time when doctors are now suggesting community-based treatment for people with different disorders.

Andy, as the beast is a burly six-foot tracksuit and gold chain wearing comedic genius, who learned his rhyming couplet lines in barely two weeks. Simon is a natural in the role of pub landlord, loud, dominating and unwavering in his contempt for his customers. John is the epitome of the moody, teenage and defiant Gaston, whilst Belle played by Angela, is everything the demure and unassuming doting daughter should be. Le Fou, played by Sam is a frustrated, nonchalant servant to Gaston, dying to get his own back.

Cogsworth and Lumiere, played by Chris and Bal are also a triumph in comedy, donning impressive full clock and candelabra costumes.

The group's timing is impeccable, as is their ad-libbing, with a raft of 'that's what she saids' making us double over in hysterics. But the most powerful moments come in-between the acting.

Alex, who plays Maurice, said: "I just want people to see that just because we have a learning disability doesn't mean that we're any different to anybody else. We just have different needs, like everyone does.

"I want the people to see the group as just a drama group, a company, that's just as good as all the other ones."

Chris has a different view. He said: "Drama has made me more confident. It has brought me out of myself and made me less self conscious. I want us to become better actors and that's why we work so hard."

Momentary epilepsy and seizures, or lost in translation communication from the none-verbal members are the only aspects of the rehearsal that is different to that of a professional company. A break half way through the night gives the members a chance to socialise and have something to eat, whilst the end of the session gives everyone the time to reflect on what they've achieved.

Andy said: "We're all like brothers and sisters now, going through this process,we're a proper team."

Even those with memory problems are able to achieve their own personal successes. One lady in question was given a line in the play that was a struggle for her to learn. But by the dress rehearsal, she had it nailed, with cheers and ecstatic high-fives from the group making her almost cry with happiness.

It's the small things that really make a difference here. It's not the sound effects, the music or the lighting, it's being able to use their own experiences to build on their understanding of the characters, of getting dressed in a costume and joining your friends to produce something that sold out on opening night.

In an era of seemingly endless social care cuts, of less and less money being available for even the basic personal care, groups like this are invaluable in providing not just vital social and creative experiences, but something profoundly valuable to both the members and the directors.

One group member said: "Without this, I wouldn't really do much on a Monday. There's not much left for us to do.

"The play has been amazing and the best thing is, I've been able to do it with people who understand me and want to make people understand what we're really all about."

There are two performances of Take a Bow on August 5, one at 3.30pm and one at 7pm. Tickets cost £5 and are available on the door.

For more information on tickets, contact 01902 572090. For more information on the group, contact Eden Support, on 01902 426339.