Workshops with Myrtle Theatre Company showed young people in our community what truly inclusive theatre looks like.

Pupils from Exeter House Vocational Centre learned how Myrtle Theatre Company make shows with trailblazing performer Nathan Bessell, who has Down syndrome - telling real world stories relevant to their own lives.

The participants explored movement to music and accessible performance approaches ahead of their own show in the Salberg as part of our Beginners Please! school programme.

Meeting Nathan was an inspiration for members of the group who are now making choices about their own futures as disabled young adults moving on from school.

Myrtle Theatre Company also joined the 14-16 and 16+ age groups of our youth theatre, Stage 65, to present an extract from the Up Down trilogy and share how Nathan has influenced their working practice.

Stage 65 is an inclusive youth theatre, a space where young people have the chance to learn about themselves and others. Nathan supported and encouraged all these young people to move and respond to music, and they came together to present a joyful scene.

One participant said: “this session has been brilliant to be part of” and shared how happy it made them feel.

A Myrtle Theatre Company and Wiltshire Creative production in association with The Wardrobe Ensemble, with in kind support from Bristol Old Vic, Up Down BIG Man is now showing in the newly-reopened Salberg Studio until Saturday 17 October.

Up Down BIG Manhas been researched in collaboration with the Bessell family and Keynsham and District Mencap, and is presented in loving memory of Sue Shields (Bessell). The show is supported by public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.