Without Walls announces outdoor programme for 2024
Without Walls announces outdoor programme for 2024, touring to leading festival partners around the country Featuring captivating and innovative productions, Without Walls has announced this year’s programme of 13 artists commissioned by the network. Touring across England this summer, Without Walls continues its vital commitment to making work in public spaces accessible for audiences, with a programme of events from some of the UK’s most highly regarded outdoor arts and performance specialists. The artists included in the programme will tour this summer to Without Walls festival partners Brighton Festival, Hat Fair (Winchester), Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Stockton International Riverside Festival, Timber Festival (Staffordshire), Certain Blacks – Ensemble Festival (London) and Just So Festival (Cheshire) and Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Ralph Kennedy, Director of Without Walls, comments, “Without Walls is pleased to announce the 2024 programme, which celebrates the incredible diversity of creative practice in outdoor arts in England. The shows explore important themes for the times we live in today and reflect the power and value of the arts to captivate, inspire, and connect us all.“ The 2024 programme explores multiple themes and genres, including accessibility and inclusivity, sustainability, music, circus, dance, street theatre and installations. With a passion for the environment at its heart, Mechanimal brings its wildly playful, tragicomic performance Crap at Animals. Blending clowning, physical theatre and creative technologies, performer Tom Bailey attempts to embody 48,000 currently extinct and endangered species. In between Crap at Animals’ performance in Norwich & Norfolk Festival and at Passage Festival in Denmark, Bailey will undertake a radical 2-month long ‘green arts touring’ journey across Scotland, Norway and Denmark, by foot and by sea. This production is co-commissioned by Norfolk & Norwich Festival, and will be performed at Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Hear the true story of a family who lost their amusement arcade to coastal erosion in ISLAND STORM from Baileys Original Seaside Imaginarium as stunt clowns dazzle and delight audiences while encouraging them to engage with some of the biggest issues we face today. This production is co-commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival and Brighton Festival, and will be performed at Brighton Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Hat Fair, Stockton International Riverside Festival and Certain Blacks – Ensemble Festival. A visual sound installation/performance, experience Mark Anderson’s Warning Notes as part of this year’s Without Walls programme. Creating a sanctuary for audiences to think about the bigger climate and conflict issues facing us, it is a powerful and immersive sonic experience of suspense and shifting sounds, sounding the alarm ecologically, socially and politically. This production is co-commissioned by Timber Festival, and will be performed at Timber Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival. BAMBOO is a high-skills and high-stakes performance about our relationship to the environment. A partnership between NoFit State, Imagineer and Orit Azaz, and directed by Mish Weaver, a delicate playground is built with circus and bamboo, complimenting the company’s self-sustaining approach to touring. This production is co-commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Hat Fair and Timber Festival, and will be performed at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Timber Festival, Hat Fair, Stockton International Riverside Festival and Certain Blacks – Ensemble Festival. Tit for Tat Circus return to Without Walls with Now I am Become Deaf (Destroyer of Words), an autobiographical piece about degenerative hearing loss and how it infiltrates into everyday life. Fusing traditional clowning with modern elements, this captivating production follows an unassuming clown as he manoeuvres being hard of hearing whilst simply wanting to connect with his audience. This production is co-commissioned by Just So Festival and Hat Fair, and will be performed at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Timber Festival, Hat Fair and Just So Festival. The electric Head Over Wheels bring Anchored in Air, reevaluating traditional circus while incorporating accessibility. Celebrating individuality with performers at the top of their game, this large-scale performance fuses aerial, dance, live music, theatrical and integrated audio description. This production is co-commissioned by Brighton Festival and Certain Blacks, and will be performed at Brighton Festival and Certain Blacks – Ensemble Festival. Inspirate encourage audiences to think big with Ancient Giants, as the dramatic tale of Hanuman and Ravana is brought to life with 12-foot puppets, built by Mr Cleaver’s Monsters and choreographed by Chirag Lukha, with dance, martial arts and storytelling. This multigenerational South Asian epic interacts with audiences and takes them on a journey through Shanti’s imagination to bring to life this ancient story. This production is co- commissioned by Brighton Festival and Just So Festival, and will be performed at Brighton Festival and Just So Festival. Explore what happens when two unwritten languages meet in Patois, the brand-new piece from British-Caribbean choreographer Jeanefer Jean-Charles MBE (London 2012 Olympic Opening Ceremony, the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Pageant). Blending traditional Caribbean choreography with contemporary dance and an original music score, this mesmerising piece touches on universal experiences of identity, reawakening cultures, stories and generations of the past. This production is co-commissioned by FESTIVAL.ORG for Greenwich+Docklands International Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival and Brighton Festival, and will be performed at Brighton Festival, Norfolk & Norwich Festival, Hat Fair and Greenwich+Docklands International Festival. Showcasing and celebrating Yiddish language, music and culture, The Great Yiddish Parade from JW3 brings together a Klezmer big band, singers, street theatre and public participation against a backdrop of the immigrant social protests of the Victorian East End, in one huge marching, musical creation. This production is co-commissioned by Certain Blacks, and will be performed at Certain Blacks – Ensemble Festival and Stockton International Riverside Festival. Bespoke to each location it is performed at, Perhaps Contraption will delight audiences with The Journey. Featuring a nine-piece brass band and visual vernacular performer Zoe McWhinney (RED, Polka Theatre; Everyday, New Diorama), this accessible promenade performance’s three act structure allows audiences to be transported by a completely new score, as they form a community coming together to travel and explore. This production is co- commissioned by Stockton International Riverside Festival, Timber Festival and Brighton Festival, and
Creating a more inclusive space at Manchester Theatre and Arts Venue 53two
By Simon Naylor, Artistic Director at 53two As we approach the third anniversary in our current space, I’ve been reflecting on our journey to become a theatre and arts venue for all. Before the doors to our historic arches were even open, we knew that accessibility would be at the heart of the space and how we operate. It is something we have always wanted to offer, and we have worked closely with different stakeholder groups to implement facilities that can make a difference. Those conversations have been a huge learning and helped to inform many of the changes we’ve implemented over the past three years: A Changing Places toilet Implementing a Changing Places toilet was something of a Holy Grail in my vision for the venue and I’m incredibly proud that 53two is the first indie arts venue in Manchester to have one installed. We underwent extensive consultancy with theatre and arts communities, people living with disabilities and building specialists to ensure the space had the necessary privacy, comfort, space and equipment. Those discussions were incredibly important and highlighted things that those not limited in their mobility might not consider. For example, something as simple as having a privacy curtain means we can help users, who might be entering the facility with a carer or assistant, to retain dignity. The result is a 130 square metre facility which allows adequate space for users, turning space for a wheelchair and room for two carers if required. Some of the equipment includes height adjustable sinks, a height-adjustable adult-sized changing bench and a tracking hoist system. British Sign Language for 53two staff, and performances When we talk about accessibility, people’s first thought is often around physical access but of course, it encompasses so much more. The Manchester Deaf Centre is one organisation that we’ve engaged with to make our venue welcoming to deaf and hard of hearing communities. They worked to deliver British Sign Language (BSL) lessons so that our staff can engage in basic conversation with BSL users visiting the venue and serve them at the bar. Many of our shows also have BSL accessible performances. Retractable seating Earlier this year, we were lucky enough to receive funding to help us make a series of renovations and upgrades. This included rethinking our auditorium and implementing a retractable seating bank that would allow the space to be used more flexibly. We’re now able to push the seating back completely so that the space is all one level. This allows us to provide a bigger floor space, and for the area to be used for different types of events. The new seating has also been designed to cater to all visitors better. We know that wheelchair users are often seated in a dedicated area in front of the seating bank, which can be isolating. Our new seating has been designed with cut-outs so anyone using a wheelchair feels included and can sit next to the group they are visiting with. There is still so much that we want to achieve, including introducing more assistive technologies such as an audio induction loop system and audio description booth. But by making changes where we can, we are helping to put accessibility front and centre and open up the arts to more people. Simon Naylor, Artistic Director at 53two Simon is artistic director at 53two, Manchester’s only independent theatre venue with accessibility at its heart. After studying, then later teaching at Italia Conti, Simon set up Manchester Actors’ Platform (MAP) – affordable, accessible training from industry professionals, still active in their field. 53two was then born, and under Simon’s creative direction has quickly grown to be Manchester’s most exciting and accessible independent theatre. 53two encourages, champions and nurtures disabled, disadvantaged, and underserved artists and visitors from across Greater Manchester and is a registered charity (Registered charity number: 1179418). Simon continues to act, direct and produce not just in the arches of 53two but across the north west. He teaches at the Arden School of Theatre, Manchester School of Theatre and ALRA North. Simon has also led outreach sessions at Manchester Hospital School and community sessions with colleges across Greater Manchester and proactively encourages and supports new writing within 53two. Visit the 53two website here. Read the article ‘Accessible arts venue 53Two welcomes new patron, Ruth Madeley’ here.
How can a homelift help with independent living?
Champion tennis player Andy McErlean knows all about making the very best of what life gives you. The former soldier, from Waterlooville, Hampshire, was just 19 years old when he was involved in a car accident while posted to Germany, which resulted in him becoming a fulltime wheelchair user. But while facing up to a spinal fracture and lower-limb paralysis, Andy continued to follow his love of sports and won wheelchair tennis titles at the Paralysed Veterans of America Games and two Invictus Games, amongst others. He’s also supported Team GB as a “training hitter” at two Paralympics. But even star para-sports heroes can need assistance to get the best out of every day. Andy, 54, and his wife Cathy, a primary school teacher, recently extended their dormer bungalow into a two-storey, four-bedroom home, and the key to making the property accessible for Andy has been the installation of a homelift. “It’s a game-changer,” says Andy. “Now I don’t have to transfer on and off from my wheelchair onto a stairlift, especially at the top of the stairs, which always felt unsafe. Plus, if I forget something upstairs or downstairs, I can get it quicker. The lift looks great and contemporary, so it matches our new home, too.” Andy has a Stiltz Trio+ Homelift, which can accommodate a passenger using a wheelchair or other mobility aids and travel between floors in 30 seconds. It is tastefully situated in an alcove. Other one-person models take up no more space in a room than a small armchair. Once building work has been completed, a Stiltz Homelift can typically be installed in a day. Moving on from tennis in recent years, the sporting focus for Andy is now the fast-growing sport of pickleball, which is similar to tennis but played with paddles. He’s already a champion in that, too, winning gold in the wheelchair event at last year’s English Nationals. Stiltz is the UK’s leading homelift provider. The company manufacturers, supplies and installs a range of models in different sizes and for different needs. For more information, visit https://www.stiltz.co.uk/home-lifts/ Or find them on Facebook. For more of our articles on mobility, click here.
Access and Aesthetics: Wraxall Yard, A Retreat for Every Family
Nestled within the idyllic West Dorset hamlet of Lower Wraxall and the Dorset Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty hides Wraxall Yard. A development of five award-winning, beautifully restored barns, designed as a peaceful retreat specifically for holidaymakers who require disabled access. Wraxall Yard, a restored dairy on an organic, family farm is all about inclusivity and accessibility which it achieves through thoughtful design. A not-for-profit holiday accommodation operating solely with the aim of providing equal access for all in a serene, restorative setting. Here accessibility is clearly the core principle in design and operation. The entire site is single-storey and step-free, so that every visitor has the same experiences available to them. Winner of numerous accessibility and architecture awards including a 2024 Civic Trust award and a 2023 Blue Badge Access award, this property continues to leave a lasting impression on both judges and guests. Wraxall Yard is available to book with Dorset Hideaways, one of the county’s most knowledgeable and experienced holiday letting companies. Wraxall Yard is not the only accessible and disabled friendly property available in the area, as Dorset Hideaways also offer Monymusk House, a wonderfully spacious, contemporary, detached house, situated within a peaceful equestrian estate just two miles outside of the county town of Dorchester. This property sleeps 6 from approximately £1,000 for 3 nights. Conscious that disabled people often have to put up with more hospital-like or institutional environments, great care has been taken by the designers of Wraxall Yard to avoid features that feel clinical, while also ensuring that guests’ safety and comfort is a priority. From the moment you enter the courtyard it’s clear that Wraxall Yard has thought about access as well as aesthetics. Curving paths wind through lush gardens to each cottage’s doorstep, providing a seamless transition from the outdoors to the cosiness within. Five properties surround a shared courtyard garden, with three barns accommodating four people, one barn for three and one barn for up to six people. There’s plenty of options for families and groups of all sizes including booking the entire site for larger groups (up to 24). Inside, the cottages blend countryside charm with modern and innovative accessibility features, perfectly combining comfort, style and convenience for all holidaymakers. Each cottage offers slightly different specifications for disabled access, with sociable open-plan living areas, dining spaces and well-equipped kitchens featuring rise-and-fall worktops. Guests can enjoy the on-site community space, complete with a large fully equipped kitchen, a wood-burning stove and an overhead projector – perfect for movie nights served with wood-fired pizza! When visitors are ready to leave the comfort of their cabins and explore the great outdoors, a timber wheelchair-friendly boardwalk leads them through a newly planted orchard to the banks of a gorgeous nearby chalk stream, ideal for sunny picnics and paddles for pooches (yes, Wraxall Yard is also very much dog friendly!). The property is the perfect opportunity to unwind in nature, both in the cottages themselves and in the surrounding accessible wilderness. The original farmyard and barn have also been restored to enable guests to take part in farming activities and meet some of the farm’s friendly animals. Numerous quaint villages, market towns and Dorset pubs are also very close by and The Jurassic Coast is within easy reach. In a world where accessibility is often an afterthought, Wraxall Yard serves as a shining example of what is possible when inclusivity is prioritised. The importance of creating spaces where visitors feel welcome and valued can never be undermined; Wraxall Yard truly provides the perfect break for everyone. A stay at Wraxall Yard starts from £394 in one of their 2-bed properties with a full site booking (24 people) possible from £2700 for 3 nights. The team at Dorset Hideaways are friendly, knowledgeable and more than happy to help you work out the best stay for your needs. Bookings can be made at www.dorsethideaways.co.uk or by calling 01929 448580. Subscribe to Ucan2 magazine today.
Deafblind UK shortlisted for the Charity Awards 2024
Deafblind UK is delighted to announce that it has made the shortlist for this year’s Charity Awards, the longest-running and most prestigious awards scheme in the charity sector. Deafblind UK has been shortlisted in the Disability category for its schools project, which aims to help teachers and fellow students understand the challenges that young people living with deafblindness face. The Charity Awards is the sector’s most highly-regarded excellence recognition scheme. All 30 shortlisted charities this year have been judged by an independent panel of sector leaders as having demonstrated best practice in leadership and management, from which other organisations can learn. Deafblind UK specialises in supporting people with both sight and hearing loss. Visit their website here. The schools project, led by former teacher Carolyn Greig, set out to investigate the provision of support for deafblind children in mainstream education. Following the results of this research, Deafblind UK produced a set of resources to help teachers and students understand deafblindness, and to feel more confident in supporting pupils with sensory loss. The resources, called ‘Lesson in a Box: Discovering Deafblindness’ include interactive lesson plans and assemblies which span the curriculum of key stages 2, 3 and 4 and have been delivered to over 1600 schools across the country. Nikki Morris, CEO of Deafblind UK said: “At Deafblind UK, we are passionate about educating others about deafblindness to ensure that every child has access to a meaningful education, regardless of sight and hearing loss. We are extremely proud that our schools project has been shortlisted for this award, as it recognises how vitally important education around deafblindness is.” The 10 category winners, plus the recipients of the Overall Award for Excellence and the Daniel Phelan Award for Outstanding Achievement, will be announced at a black-tie dinner on Tuesday 9 July, held at the Royal Lancaster Hotel in London. The evening will be hosted by broadcaster and commentator Baroness Ayesha Hazarika, who will be joined on the night by a host of celebrities, representatives of the shortlisted charities, as well as leaders from Britain’s best known and best loved charities. Matthew Nolan, chief executive of Civil Society Media which organises the Charity Awards, congratulated Deafblind UK on making the highly-coveted shortlist. He said: “Every year we are astounded and inspired by the breadth and depth of work going on across the UK’s wonderful charity sector. But this year in particular we have noticed a real improvement in the professionalism of the entries, signalling that charities are more cognisant than ever of the need for good governance, strong leadership and effective management. “Everything that we do at Civil Society Media aims to help charities have greater impact, and for the last 23 years the Charity Awards has identified and celebrated the sector’s great work. Congratulations to all the charities on this year’s shortlist; in a year of record entries you ought to be very proud of getting this far. “I wish Deafblind UK the best of luck on the night.” Peter Hugh Smith, chief executive at CCLA, Overall Partner of the Charity Awards, said: “Every year the Charity Awards serve as a moment for the sector to reflect and acknowledge the transformative power of compassion, determination and resilience. The awards amplify the voices of those making a difference, inspiring others to join in creating positive change. “We’re honoured to renew our role as the Charity Awards’ Overall Partner, championing the remarkable efforts of charities, large and small, right across the UK.” The Shortlist 2024: Animals & the Environment: Naturewatch Foundation, People’s Trust for Endangered Species and the British Hedgehog Preservation Society, The Tree Council Arts, Culture & Heritage: Cockpit Arts, Derby Theatre, LUNG Productions Campaigning & Advocacy: Bliss, Citizens Advice, RNIB Children & Youth: Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs, Storybook Dads, Yorkshire Children’s Charity Disability: Contact, Deafblind UK, Money and Mental Health Policy Institute Education & Training: Building Heroes Education Foundation, Keep Britain Tidy, Migration Museum Grantmaking & Funding: East End Community Foundation, Lloyds Bank Foundation for England & Wales, SafeLives Healthcare & Medical Research: Groundswell, JDRF UK, Nafsiyat Intercultural Therapy Centre International Aid & Development: Kids Operating Room, Reprieve, SolarAid Social Care, Advice & Support: Justice & Care, LandWorks, SIG Equinox The panel of judges for 2024 is: Subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine today and never miss an update.
ROARR! – The UK’s Largest Accessible Dinosaur Park
ROARR! the UK’s largest accessible dinosaur-themed adventure park, has been recognised for its accessibility in the coveted 2023-2024 East of England Tourism Awards. The Accessible Dinosaur Park was a finalist in the Accessible and Inclusive Tourism Business category and has been nominated for the Community Organisation Award for Disability in The National Diversity Awards. It is also a finalist in VisitEngland’s Awards for Excellence 2024 Accessible and Inclusive category. In the past two years alone, ROARR! has introduced two new wheelchair-accessible mechanical rides, installed wheelchair-friendly picnic tables, opened a Changing Places facility (one of only three in the county) and resurfaced the Valley of the Dinosaurs Trail to make it more accessible. It has also added BSL (British Sign Language) signage to the Secret Animal Garden exhibits and introduced free admission for Essential Companions. Staff at the Park are trained in British Sign Language and there’s a Quiet Room with sensory aids and a non-binary character Raz, who features in live shows and meet and greets around the Park during peak periods, encouraging engagement with children across the gender spectrum. The 85-acre Park with over 25 dinosaur-themed activities is ideal for families with children aged 2-10. Its accessible Jurassic attractions include: ROARR!, has added a new 33-foot animatronic Apatosaurus in time for summer. The new ginormous dinosaur is located outside of Dinomite, Norfolk’s largest indoor adventure play area with slides, ball pits and bridges Full details of ROARR!’s accessibility provision can be found online at roarr.co.uk/accessibility/ including links to their full VisitEngland-approved guide and a handy chart. To check prices and which attractions are open when click here. ROARR! is located 9 miles northwest of Norwich, clearly signed from the A47. Drive time from London is around 2.5 hours. Greater Anglia operates regular service from London Liverpool Street to Norwich station, from where it’s around a 25-minute drive to the Park. Looking for more accessible days out for the family? Click Here for some of our articles featuring the best trips out!
Blue Horizons Surf School Champions Differently Abled With Lessons For All
The team at Blue Horizons Surf Club just outside Tenby in Pembrokeshire have been teaching surfing lessons for over 20 years. Recently, they have chosen to devote their time and energy into providing lessons for children and adults who are differently abled. This includes those with autism and wheelchair users. They are now one of a tiny handful of organisations across the UK to offer adaptive surfing including seated and tandem surfboards, as well as prone boards with chest raisers and handles. Most importantly, Blue Horizons understands the need for all users to feel safe and supported. This means providing a seated session for wheelchair users with support from two highly qualified instructors and four volunteers for the duration of a lesson. It’s an offering that relies heavily on support from qualified volunteers and local sponsors in order to keep costs affordable. However, Blue Horizons is committed to making its offering fully accessible financially as well as physically. Tuition can be tailored to include weekend courses (2 x half-day courses), individual lessons and – for local people – weekly lessons. There are several wheelchair-friendly accommodation options within easy driving distance from Blue Horizons including Bluestone National Park Resort, which has a number of adapted family rooms. A three-night stay at the Solva adapted lodge (with wider doorways and adapted wet room), for example, will cost from £630 including free use of an electric buggy and free access to the Serendome and Water Park. Prices for tuition at Blue Horizons start from £40 for a half-day surf course, rising to £120 for a half-day seated session supported by two instructors and four volunteers. Visit www.bluehorizons.wales or call 01646 685273. Images Courtesy of Becky Tooby. To keep up-to-date with all the latest news, advice and information on independent living, subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine.
Empowering Kids with Hearing Loss Awareness
Why hearing loss awareness should start with the kids By Kimberley Bradshaw Though the stigma bubble surrounding hearing loss is slowly evaporating, it remains stubborn, there’s still so much more that can and needs to be done. Like with most things we fear and struggle to understand, it’s the neglect of education and, perhaps, unwillingness that is the cause. Such awareness comes from being inspired, thought provoked, spoken to. It takes someone who believes enough to spread the word. Often this word is planting a seed of thought and change, filling in somebody somewhere’s failings – perhaps it should start with the kids? Let’s listen to the voices of our children. For even little people with little minds can nurture big ideas and better attitudes. From learning good listening habits to igniting empathy, they can inspire the next generation and squish this archaic stigma. Why start young? Among the hustle and bustle of our lives, the rise in earbuds, and the cacophony of modern sounds, hearing health often takes a backseat. A crazy realisation when the gift of hearing shapes our interactions, learning, and overall well-being. Whilst you may not be navigating the complexities of hearing loss yourself, the truth is that it is affecting billions worldwide. Therefore, the first (and huge) step towards addressing it begins with our youngest generation. But why bother starting young at all? The latest stats, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), state that over 1.5 billion people in the world live with some form of hearing loss – around 430 million are children and adolescents. Thus, batting away the age-old preconception that hearing loss is only among the elderly – highlighting the need for education about hearing health right from childhood. Empowering through awareness Hearing loss can affect any age and early intervention is vital when it comes to how your ear health pans out in the future. Not identifying and treating hearing problems in children can significantly impact their development and quality of life. As children rely on hearing for speech, socialising, and learning, an undiagnosed loss can cause delayed speech, educational struggles, language development concerns, and social isolation. One of the main causes of hearing loss in children is exposure to loud noises. With the rise of earbuds tucked in young ears and activities involving loud sounds in social spaces, children are increasingly at risk. Educating kids about the dangers of loud noises and the importance of using hearing protection, can reduce the risk dramatically. Knowledge is power, and giving kids the lowdown on how to protect their hearing is simply setting them up for a lifetime of healthy ears. But it’s not all about educating them on protecting their own ears. It runs much deeper than that. Hearing loss can make everyday situations, we often take for granted, more challenging. By teaching kids about hearing loss, we are fostering empathy and understanding in equal measure. Through knowledge, kids can create inclusive friendships, attitudes, and environments where all feel valued and understood. This, in turn, encourages a culture of acceptance and support, hopefully building diverse communities of the future. How can we teach them? This empowerment can all be attained through interactive activities, like games and quizzes – making learning about the topic more fun and engaging. Adding videos and stories with characters who have hearing loss can also nurture a deeper understanding and higher level of empathy. Encouraging open chats about ear health, the right listening habits, regular hearing checks, and how to protect ears sets a positive example. Ensuring that hearing loss awareness is normalised, relatable, and easily accessed. By giving kids the tools and the opportunity to learn more about hearing loss, we can reinforce the message that hearing is worth safeguarding and inclusivity is worth fighting for. Hearing loss awareness starts with the kids. Let them build a world where everyone can thrive and grow, regardless of their auditory abilities. Hearing Aid UK is your gateway to a network of local independent Hearing Aid Dispensers. To find out more visit their website. View our article ‘4 Common Hearing Loss Myths‘.
Accessible arts venue 53Two welcomes new patron, Ruth Madeley
Actress, Ruth Madeley, becomes patron of 53Two – as fully funded renovations get under way at region’s most accessible arts venue. Manchester-based theatre and arts venue, 53two, has welcomed Years and Years and Doctor Who actress, Ruth Madeley, as its latest patron. Ruth joins as a series of renovations and upgrades get underway that will enable 53two to deliver an enhanced experience to everyone who uses the space. The work has been fully funded by Backstage Trust and The Baker Family Charitable Trust, with support from Closomat, and will be completed in time for the venue’s third birthday in May 2024. Plans include improved backstage changing facilities and new, retractable auditorium seating to ensure the venue is as flexible and accessible as possible. Located in one of Manchester’s historic Grade II listed arches, the building’s infrastructure will also receive some much-needed care and attention. A new ventilation system will help to regulate temperature and humidity. The theatre will also be tanked, with a new drainage system put in place. The latest phase of work is part of 53two’s continued mission to make theatre accessible to all. It follows the installation of a Changing Places toilet in December 2023, which is providing increased independence to anyone who may be limited in their own mobility. “53two has always been very special to me, so to be appointed as a patron is a huge honour” said Ruth Madelely. “It’s vital that artists have a safe and accessible space to work in Manchester, especially at a time when much-needed arts funding is being cut. Changing Places toilets, for example, are vital for disabled people when accessing theatre, and the dignity, peace of mind and independence they provide is invaluable. “53two has always nurtured and supported under-represented talent, particularly disabled artists and I am delighted to be playing a bigger part in its future”. Simon Naylor, creative director at 53two added: ‘‘The support and funding we’ve received has been incredible and has enabled us to progress the next phase of our plans – to deliver the best possible experience to everyone who visits us at 53Two. May 2024 marks our third birthday in the arches, and it feels like the perfect time to unveil a new and improved space. We are thrilled to have Ruth with us on the journey.’’ To stay up-to-date with all the latest news regarding accessibility and independent living, subscribe to Ucan2 Magazine.