Lincoln theatre for young adults with additional needs

Sara Sprague (L) founded the theatre group in 2017 when her daughter Brianna (R) left school

A theatre group for young adults with additional needs feels "like a big family", according to its actors.

Lincoln-based Stardust was started by a woman who wanted a space for her daughter and a handful of friends. 

Sara Sprague said she founded the group in 2017 after her daughter Brianna left school and was not able to take part in other drama groups as they were not fully inclusive.

She said it allowed the performers a "chance to feel proud of themselves".

"It started months ago with everyone saying 'my mum has tickets, my grandma has tickets', " she said.

"It's the opportunity it gives them. They're not likely to go and do exams, they're not going to get qualifications and promotions and new jobs.

"So this gives them the chance to feel really proud of themselves."

The group meets in Lincoln and "aims to support, encourage and inspire everyone to feel free to be themselves and to express themselves through music and movement".

Their pantomime of Robin Hood will be performed at the Terry O' Toole theatre on Saturday 23 March. 

James (L) said the theatre group had changed his life

James who is playing Little John said that being part of the group had changed his life.

"The best bit for me is just being around these people," he said.

"People showing what their capabilities are. It shows that we are all able to do something."

Hollie who joined the group about five years ago, said she loved seeing her friends regularly.

"I enjoy being all together," she said."It feels like being part of a big family." 

The pantomime is written and directed by the group's creative director Kei Bailey

Costumes have been specially made to accommodate the needs of the actors, some of whom are able-bodied and some are not. 

The script has also been written specially for them by the group's creative director Kei Bailey, who has been writing and directing pantomimes for years.

"The only difference is that each of our performers needs someone to support them either physically, or to learn their lines," he said.

"So it's about working into the script a role for all of our actors and then a role for their supporter as well."