'Our Christmas panto is about being understood'

Jordan Winn wanted to create an inclusive theatre group where everyone felt welcome

A theatre group made up largely of young people with conditions such as ADHD and autism is putting on its first pantomime.

The Nativity and the Stolen Christmas Elves production is being performed at Springwood High School in King's Lynn by the Why Not Us Theatre Company.

Jordan Winn, 24, created the Norfolk group after struggling at school and finding few creative opportunities.

Mr Winn said it felt great to give neurodiverse children the chance to shine on stage and behind the scenes.

Lily, 11, said this was one of three pantos she was taking part in this year

Mr Winn based his panto on the popular Nativity! film story, but added his own twist on the characters and themes.

"The story is all about being understood and to make sure people are not left out," he said.

"So there is a very strong message".

Mr Winn said he believed his was the only theatre company in the East of England focused on inclusivity.

He said often people with neurological differences were side-lined in the classroom and have a similar experience when they try to get into performing arts.

Brian Reeve-Hayes said he was very proud of how the children and young people were organising the show

Also in the cast is teacher Brian Reeve-Hayes who met Mr Winn when he came to speak about his experience of school as an autistic child at nearby King's Lynn Academy.

Mr Reeve-Hayes, who was given an autism diagnosis when he was in his 20s, said the production felt very different to school plays he had been involved in for before.

"This has been driven by Jordan and the young people," he said.

"I'm the outsider here as the adult and it is so nice because this is theirs, this is their show.

"And its great to see so many of them take a chance to be part of something so special."

'Spreading the word'

Working behind the scenes as co-director and stage manager at the show was 15-year-old Will.

He said while rehearsals had been "frantic", it had been a great experience.

"It feels good because you are spreading the word that there are people out there with disabilities that people don't know about, especially for me being autistic.

"It feels like people are learning what it is like for us being neurodivergent."

The group, and their cast of 30 actors and backstage crew, will raise the curtain for opening night on Saturday.