Shining stars on stage since 1988

A self-funding community group that provides people of all ages with and without learning disabilities with the opportunity to be a performer is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month.
Side By Side in 1988.Side By Side in 1988.
Side By Side in 1988.

And Side By Side, founded by the late Sue Teers MBE, are marking their milestone at the Spa Centre in Leamington with their annual show, Light Up The World.

Sue, who was made MBE for her work with the group in 1999, came up with the concept of Side By Side back in 1988, when she had been asked to ‘do some drama’ with clients at Weston Hospital in Somerset.

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Bob Teers, who continues to be involved in the group as its treasurer, recalls: “She said she was sure the clients could put on a show themselves rather than be entertained by others.

Side By Side founder Sue Teers MBE.Side By Side founder Sue Teers MBE.
Side By Side founder Sue Teers MBE.

“Because the show would have people with and without learning disabilities performing alongside each other she would call it Side by Side. The show would incorporate mime, comedy, dance, singing and drama within short sketches.”

At the time, Side by Side was the only theatre group in the UK to provide performing opportunities for adults with learning disabilities.

When Weston Hospital closed in 1993, Side By Side moved to Myton School in Warwick for rehearsals and to the Spa Centre for performances.

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Bob said: “Sue’s philosophy was to create a show around a wide range of disabilities, focusing on abilities, so nobody was excluded.

“This is, 34 shows later, still the philosophy and has been carried on by subsequent artistic directors since Sue’s passing in 2006.”

The group is performing at the Spa Centre on November 25 and 26 at 7.30pm, with an additional matinee on the 26th at 2.30pm. For tickets, call 334418.

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