'Disabled people can achieve greatness if believed in'

"I believe this could be a stepping stone to more representation in TV and film," said Angus, who plays Zeus in Mythic Trials

A performer in an accessibility arts group that is about to play on one of its biggest stages yet said disabled people could "achieve greatness if they are believed in".

Angus, 24, is part of the cast at Essex-based theatre organisation Bedazzle, which is performing at Cambridge Arts Theatre this week.

Diane Janssen, Bedazzle's founder and director, said playing at the 666-capacity venue was "beyond their wildest dreams".

Another performer, Sis Martin, said: "Doing shows like this shows the world what I can do."

The actors are taking Mythic Trials to the theatre on 4 July, which is a play featuring a contemporary take on Greek mythology.

Angus, who is autistic, said playing at the theatre was a "massive deal".

"Normally we do small venues like schools but this time we get to perform on a massive stage," said the Cambridgeshire actor.

"It shows that people with a disability can achieve greatness if they are believed in with all their heart."

'I can do anything'

Sis Martin said challenging people's perceptions had always been close to her heart

Sis Martin (Steph), 23, from Essex, said her experiences growing up affected her outlook, but the group gave her the opportunity to show what she was capable of.

"I was always the disabled kid that no-one wanted to play with," she said.

"People look as if to say you can't really do much, but I say, 'How dare you? I can do anything I like.'"

Speaking about Bedazzle, Sis, who is autistic and has cerebral palsy, said: "It has helped me a lot, not just with my performance but with myself.

"I'm a completely different person now.

"Doing shows like this is shows the world what I can do. It's going to be great."

"We are all the stars of the show, it's not about one person. Everyone has their moment to shine," said Sis

Bedazzle director Diane Janssen said performing at Cambridge Arts Theatre was "beyond their wildest dreams" and would help elevate the important work Bedazzle does helping performers find paid jobs.

People have gone on to secure work on TV, on stage and in commercials.

"We are very busy and ambitious, but when we get support like this it enables us to be even bigger," she said.

Bedazzle founder Diane Janssen said the production was "beyond exciting"

Bedazzle performers are taking Mythic Trials to the Cambridge Arts Theatre on 4 July

The charity has a track record in challenging perceptions around disability.

It took its play "I'm non-typical, typical" to the Edinburgh Fringe and its film version gained recognition, including a Royal Television Society award.

The film trailer for award-winning "Typical" was shown at Piccadilly Circus

Cambridge Arts Theatre has been working closely with Bedazzle and said its actors would follow the likes of Ian McKellen and Emma Thompson in performing there.

Grants and education manager at the venue, Katie Short, said: "It's really fantastic to be working with the performers on our own stage and see the incredible work they do."

"Performing arts is not always the most inclusive sector," said Katie Short from Cambridge Arts Theatre