'Creativity rules the space' at new performances

Neurodiverse performers have been taking to the stage in Exeter.

Actors, comedians and singers have created cabarets, staged open microphone nights and toured new shows across the South West.

It is part of an initiative with Exeter's Northcott Theatre in Devon and other theatre companies.

Phil Kingslan John, one of the creative directors of immersive theatre company Four of Swords, said there "seems to be a scene for neurodiverse creativity with learning disabled and neurodiverse actors and creatives working together".

The Pelican Project is one of the partners and is led by Charlie Robinson, who said: "Performance is very important.

"There's an assumption in the wider community that the learning disabled cohort are there to be supported.

"Often what's overlooked is that they have a huge amount to bring to the table in terms of entertaining and performing, and just generally giving some of their character to the wider community."

Jacob Blackburn, youth development producer, added: "It's a group for young adults with additional needs. We explore different topics and we just let the creativity rule the space."

The opportunities being created now include weekly workshops, open microphone appearances and performances alongside professional actors and technicians.

The new performers are also creating their own productions, which are touring locally.

Luca Saunders is part of the creative duo which originated the show The Washing Machine of Destiny.

Mr Saunders said: "For audiences, we wanted to describe what life can be like for someone on the autistic spectrum and how different things can be - the way we see the world from our perspective.

"We want them to experience the kind of play that they might never have experienced before."

Isobel Jeffery has been hosting cabaret nights as well as touring her own show The Magical Screentest of Isobel Jeffery.

She said: "I'm a neurodivergent actor. I'm very determined.

"I can't read scripts, so I have to pictogram them and memorise them. The more you do something, the more confident you get."

Venues welcoming these performances have included Exeter Phoenix, the Barnfield and Northcott Theatres, as well as Libraries Unlimited.

The new performance scene has been explored in a series on BBC Radio Devon.

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