Home: A tale of unexpected friendship

Home is the latest bold and exciting production devised specifically for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) from Frozen Light theatre company.

Following a short preview tour in Autumn 2016 the company will embark on their most ambitious tour yet in early 2017, taking in 118 performances in 41 venues around England, Scotland and Wales.

Exploring a new and unknown world, Home immerses audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD) in a multi-sensory story of discovery.

The play follows Scarlet and Olive in a world that is not how they remember it. Where are they now and where is their home? The pair must learn how to survive and create a future together in an environment that is full of surprises. Will the stars shine on this unexpected friendship? And how will they face the challenges that lie ahead?

Frozen Light devised this accessible and inclusive production especially for teenagers and adults with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). Frozen Light last came to Theatre Royal Plymouth in 2014 with Tunnels.

For many in the audience this will be their first time in a mainstream theatre venue. Frozen Light co artistic director Amber Onat Gregory said: ‘We want to enable people who rarely attend high street arts venues to experience the theatre. With our 41-date tour, we hope to reach as many people with PMLD as possible.’

Performing to an intimately sized audience, the three-strong cast accompanies the audience from the foyer into the performance space, ensuring a smooth transition into the theatre environment.

One-to-one interactions with the audience include singing directly to an audience member and offering props to be touched and closely examined. Specially composed music is integrated throughout the performance.

Lucy Garland, Frozen Light’s other co-artistic director, added ‘By putting accessible theatre into theatre venues we hope to increase the visibility of people with PMLD and create activities for them to access within their local community.’

Frozen Light launched in 2013 as a response to the fact that arts venues rarely cater for audiences with complex disabilities, although theatres are improving accessibility and offering relaxed performances for people who wouldn’t usually access the theatre. In 2016 they presented the first ever Edinburgh Fringe show for audiences with PMLD and sold out all performances.

Tickets are priced from £15 plus one free place for a companion/carer and can be booked online at www.theatreroyal.com or by calling the Theatre Royal Plymouth Box Office on 01752 267222. Concessions are available.