Unique performance gives youngsters

a chance to shine on stage

Photo opportunity: rehearsals taking place Thursday 13 December 9am to 3pm

A one-off performance is giving young people with special needs and disabilities the chance to perform on stage at De Montfort Hall.

FTM Dance, a specialist performing arts respite organisation for children, young people and adults, will be performing their own version of Peter Pan this Christmas in Leicester.

The project gives young people, aged from three, the chance to star in the pantomime on stage at the hall who would not otherwise get a chance to perform.

Using the scenery, staging, lights and technical effects from De Montfort Hall and Imagine Theatre’s Christmas show, the FTM Dance version will be the organisation’s first pantomime.

The show will be run as a relaxed performance – both on and off the stage – with adapted sound and lighting to accommodate anyone with a learning or physical disability, autistim spectrum condition or sensory or communication disorder.

A total of 125 young people are taking part on the day of the show, and have been involved in every stage of the production process, which started in September.

Leanne Evans, director of FTM Dance, said: “Although we have performed at large shows previously – we have performed our Christmas show for the last four years at Curve – this is the first time we have staged a full pantomime with the entire cast from FTM Dance.  The young people are so excited, and we would encourage everyone to take part by coming along to watch the show to show your support.”

Antony Flint, general manager at De Montfort Hall said: “This is the first time we have staged a pantomime performed entirely by children, young people and adults with additional needs, disabilities and medical conditions. We are so pleased to be able to put on this performance and cannot wait to see the show.”

Steve Boden, from Imagine Theatre, said: ““We are delighted to be supporting the work that FTM do and look forward to welcoming the company to the De Montfort Hall stage for their version of Peter Pan. It’s a wonderful opportunity for us to engage with and support this great company.”

FTM’s performance of Peter Pan will take place at De Montfort Hall on Sunday 16 December at 3pm. Tickets are available from the De Montfort Hall box office on 0116 233 3111 or online at demontforthall.co.uk.

About FTM Dance

FTM Dance is a performing arts respite service for children, young people and adults who may have additional needs, disabilities or specific medical conditions. Our support staff are highly skilled and trained in disability and medical related aspects including enteral feeding, epilepsy, colostomy, moving and handling.  Sessions focus on fun and ensuring participants have a good time.  We provide 1-1 for users and transport where required.  We are happy to meet up with new service users and carers and set up a bespoke plan that suits their individual needs.

For more information contact:

Landline: 0116 3805608

Mobile: 07543068872

Email: info@ftmdance.co.uk

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 Our venues:

• Ashmount School Thorpe Hill Loughborough LE11 4SQ

• Attenborough Arts Centre, Lancaster Road, Leicester, LE1 7HA

• Brooksby College, Ashfordby Road, Melton, LE13 0HJ