Launchpad: Sheffield theatre group for disabled people takes to the stage

A Sheffield group which encourages adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to break into theatre is set to take to the stage.

The production, which starts tomorrow, has been written, directed and performed solely by members of Launchpad who have been working collaboratively for 13 weeks.

Launchpad started in 2016 and was inspired by a project with two groups of disabled adults already engaging creatively in the city.

Doug Couch is the assistant director and plays the voice of the Communitree found Launchpad through Sheffield Autism Services.

The 36-year-old said: “I think theatre is special as it’s a place where people don’t have to be disabled and this group for people with disabilities has no sense of tokenism.

“It’s so important how seriously Sheffield takes Launchpad.”

Emily Hutchinson, Learning and Participation Manager at Sheffield Theatres highlighted how theatre groups like this develop people’s confidence, encourage group work and bring joy to the community.

The group is open to all ages with members ranging from their early 20s to people in their 60s. Launchpad provides a safe space where individuals with different disabilities can be themselves whilst also being a part of theatre.

Jonathan William Turnock plays James Rogerson in Communitree and was recently diagnosed with autism.

The 26-year-old said: “The group is about giving opportunities to people who have learning disabilities and other conditions they have to go through.

“Most of the time it’s about understanding people and what their triggers are to get them completely.

“With Launchpad, it gives that sense of understanding as we can share our own thoughts and feelings and we’ve got so much support, there are plenty of people to help if it’s needed.”

Communitree follows a community of neighbours in the year 2073 who are brought together by a tree which has become their most precious resource.

Jonathan added: “Performing for me is so magical, just being able to become someone else for a few hours.”

Doug said: “One of the best moments of my life was after the first time I did it, the sense of pride and collective achievement with everyone beaming, jumping around and high five-ing.

“From that point on, I said to myself this is all I ever wanted to do, it’s amazing.”

Groups like these continue to grow in and around Sheffield every year engaging people with disabilities and/or neurodiversity and offering opportunities to break into the theatre industry.

Doug spoke of how Sheffield stands out: “You then find places like this where there is huge amounts of support and a camaraderie of help within the group.”

Performances of Communitree will be staged at 2.15pm and 4.45pm tomorrow at the Playhouse, you can buy tickets here.