Birmingham Hippodrome has revealed details of its first in-house co-production, A Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel.
The Hippodrome is collaborating with Open Theatre Company to support a range of actors and artists who are members of BecauseWeCanCanCan, a learning disabled-led company based in the Midlands.
The Hippodrome’s chief executive and artistic director Fiona Allan said, “we’ve been working with Open Theatre Company for more than a decade to provide opportunities for young people with learning disabilities in the arts.
“Now we have the chance to expand that work even further and make a real difference to a new generation of emerging artists living and working in the UK.
“By building on our existing work with BecauseWeCanCanCan, we hope to challenge prejudices around the skills and capabilities of young people with learning disabilities, and the nature of audiences who can engage with their creative work.”
The Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel will be directed by Esther Simpson and designed by Kate Unwin. It features a soundtrack by Charles Craggs.
The show will be supported by a full workshop programme, delivered by BecauseWeCanCanCan members to more than 900 children in primary schools across the wider Midlands.
Open Theatre Company director Richard Hayhow added, “we’re already committed to creating a further three Twisted Tales over the next three years which will tour across the UK. Through this vibrant partnership we’re hoping to celebrate the artistry of performers with learning disabilities and the vital contribution they can make to the existing arts scene in this country.”
The Twisted Tale of Hansel and Gretel will visit the Patrick Studio at Birmingham Hippodrome from 4 until 8 April. It then tours to the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on 11 and 12 April, Forest Arts Centre, Walsall on 14 April and Malvern Theatres on 17 and 18 April.