The Gold Chainers Youth Theatre

Our inclusive Youth Theatre, The Gold Chainers, is a remarkable group of young people with learning difficulties.

This work drives innovation in accessible theatre by empowering them to take the lead creatively. Belonging to such an inclusive company such as the Gold Chainers challenges the social barriers for disabled young people to access the arts and preconceptions of what they can achieve. Our weekly workshops use drama, art, music and dance to develop their social and communication skills, as well as increasing their confidence to achieve their aspirations or go on access further education or training.

As keen film makers, the Gold Chainer’s took their amazing green screen film MIDAS to the Big Trouble Little Pictures Film Festival in Cambridge, as well as performing at the opening of the prestigious High Tide Festival in Aldeburgh.

The Gold Chainers are now working on their brand new sensory play, THE NIGHTINGALE! Supported by Arts Council England, this play has been specially created by the group for other young people with learning disabilities and was due to premiere in March 2020, but has been delayed due to the COVID pandemic.

The Gold Chainers meet weekly on Thursdays evenings. If you are interested in joining and want to find out more, email katy@redrosechain.com 

THE NIGHTINGALE

A new play by The Gold Chainers

If melody is just what you seek, and a singer with more than technique, Then let us unveil the star without fail of this fairy tale, the sweet nightingale!

This remarkable group of young learning disabled actors have worked for over a year with professional practitioners to create THE NIGHTINGALE, a sensory play which will be performed for audiences of young people with disabilities and their families.  

This project, supported by Arts Council England, pushes the barriers and expectations of what young people with disabilities can achieve. THE NIGHTINGALE reflects the individual talents and strengths of every performer. They have been centrally involved in every aspect of the process from song writing, creating characters, designing the set and the costumes, making props, recording voice overs and soundscapes, collaborating on choreography, and developing interactive sensory elements as well as designing publicity materials and videos describing the piece.

It is no exaggeration to say that they have put their heart and soul into it and that their personalities shine through it, clearly and profoundly communicating the story with a fresh and spontaneous energy which is uplifting and transporting to see and challenges people’s limiting pre-conceptions of these young people.

Due to the COVID pandemic, we will be re-scheduling the performances of THE NIGHTINGALE. We will be in touch with ticket holders with further information when we have it. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us on 01473 603388.

Performances of THE NIGHTINGALE will include special performances for SEND schools, colleges and groups. If you are interested in finding out more and booking a performance for when THE NIGHTINGALE returns, please get in touch with katy@redrosechain.com