Northern Ireland

Stage Beyond: Theatre group for adults with learning difficulties to stage Gulliver's Travels

Stage Beyond will bring the magical story of Gulliver's Travels to life this weekend
Stage Beyond will bring the magical story of Gulliver's Travels to life this weekend Stage Beyond will bring the magical story of Gulliver's Travels to life this weekend

A THEATRE company for adults with learning difficulties is to stage two special performances of Gulliver's Travels this weekend.

Stage Beyond, a Derry-based company, will put on a 3pm and a 7pm performance at the Millennium Forum on Saturday.

Based on the classic Jonathan Swift novel, the production will use multi-media and a simple set to take audiences on an epic journey to Lilliput where Lemuel Gulliver finds himself stranded as a giant amongst a nation of tiny warriors.

Award-winning director Conall Morrison, who has worked at the Abbey Theatre in Dublin and the Royal National Theatre in London, will direct the show which will also feature pupils from Lisneal College and St Cecilia's College.

Mr Morrison said he was hugely impressed by the performers.

"I was incredibly struck by the energy and commitment and creativity," he said.

Gilly Campbell, arts officer at the Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said the company provided important opportunities.

"Stage Beyond is a remarkable theatre company and is vital, not least because it provides opportunities for adults with learning disabilities to access and participate in theatre, but also because it provides a platform for people to make friends, to learn new skills and to increase confidence and self-esteem," she said. 

"It's amazing that Stage Beyond members have been working with one of the country's leading theatre directors Conall Morrison and I look forward to seeing the energy, commitment and creativity that the members will bring to the Millennium Forum stage this weekend in Gulliver's Travels."



Tickets are priced £8 and £10 www.millenniumforum.co.uk

Stage Beyond is a theatre company for adults with learning difficulties
Stage Beyond is a theatre company for adults with learning difficulties Stage Beyond is a theatre company for adults with learning difficulties