Thalia Theatre at Norwich Playhouse Review published in Eastern Daily Press, 26 November 2010 Echoes and Reflections Thalia Theatre’s annual showcase is an opportunity to share an artistic exploration with friends and families of a team of committed and focussed people. Developed over the past year to stimulate learning, excite creativity in thought-provoking work and challenging negative perceptions of disability, ‘Echoes and Reflections’ was inspired by a visit to St Peter Mancroft Church. Following a gardener as central character, the narrative unfolded through his garden at first lovingly tended and then neglected as he grew older, and a journey he had to make to reach a heavenly destination, an echo of his past. Each section was cleverly composed to reflect its own location, timeframe and emotional charge. The large group of participants moved well to tell … Read entire article »

Thalia Theatre Company at the Playhouse, Norwich Review published in the Eastern Daily Press 28 November 2009 I Am Who I Am (ergo sum qui sum) Arriving at the Playhouse, Leonard Cohen songs playing, felt like coming home as Thalia presented their annual show. This is the arts related-learning provider for disabled people in particular who provide innovative theatre to challenge negative perceptions about disability. Slides of members’ art work set the scene for I Am Who I Am, a perfectly pitched exploration of identity and self; what makes us different, unique. In the audience or on stage, it doesn’t matter what you look like, you have value. You are a personality. Three sections – from Dereham, Great Yarmouth and Norwich – started from the same stimulus – a residency with visual artist Tanya Raabe. Each … Read entire article »