Theatre offers real clubbing experience for disabled young people (From Times Series)

Theatre in North Finchley offers real clubbing experience for disabled young people

1:31pm Tuesday 23rd February 2010 in News By Kevin Bradford

PARTY goers were full of praise for a clubnight in North Finchley aimed at disabled young people.

More than 250 clubbers, including people with learning and physical disabilities, their carers, and family, enjoyed Clive, an inclusive event organised by leading London theatre, artsdepot.

As soon as people arrived, they were greeted by the sights and sounds of a commercial clubbing experience.

A heavy base echoed around the arts centre, in Tally Ho, while bright, colourful lights whipped revellers up into a frenzy of excitement.

The whole aim was to give those young people the freedom to enjoy what most people take for granted on a Friday or Saturday night. That is the safety to meet other people in a social setting, dance and sing, without the stigmas attached with having certain disabilities.

Whether it was in dance room, which blared out club classics, or in the games room or chill out room, the young people were able to roam about for four hours while their parents had the chance to have a massage and relax in the bar area.

Jim Graham, whose 20-year-old son Jamie has Cerebral palsy, described it as a “unique” event which offered a chance for the young people to be themselves.

He said: “Usually Jamie would be staying at home playing computer games, but this is something he can really look forward to. He has been going on about it for months.

“It's something he couldn't do in the outside world. Someone would bully him or start making fun of him, but that isn't going to happen here.

“People here understand people with learning difficulties and he can be himself. He is not going to come across the usual types of stigma and he can feel confident and go and interact with people.”

Annette May-Zubel, had taken her autistic 18-year-old daughter Lauren Smith, along to the event, and said: “People take for granted that they can go out and enjoy themselves. This is why Clive is important. It makes you feel part of the mainstream and she doesn't have to feel marginalised.

“It is a safe and secure environment and you don't have to worry, and she can be just like other teenagers shaking her booty.”

The clubbing event is aimed predominantly at people aged 14-25, and also gives them the opportunity to learn DJ and VJ skills which they can use to perform on the night.

And the mix of live music, karaoke singing and computer games proved popular with everyone.

Sarah Merriman, 18, said: “I'm having a great time. It's about friends and having fun. I feel happy and excited to be here. I can play with my friends and meet new people.”

Dimi Kyriacos said: “I like the girls and the dancing. I recognise my friends and they recognise me, and I feel excited when I'm here.”

Inga Hirst, education manger at artsdeopt, said it was a “fantastic night” and added the feedback had been really positive.

She said: “There is always a great atmosphere to the nights. Everyone can be whoever they want to be.

“It's one of the biggest events we put on as artsdepot and it is always important not to exclude people which is why we do enjoy running it.”