Leading Health and Social Care provider produces pantomime with fully-inclusive cast

Future Directions CIC is set to break new ground by hosting a pantomime with a fully inclusive cast to include people with complex care needs, learning disabilities, autism and mental health conditions.

The UK’s leading non-profit Health and Social Care provider, which is based in Chadderton,  will stage the company’s production of Cinderella. 

It is played by people supported by Future Directions across the North of England, seven of which are wheelchair users, including Cinderella herself. 

In the production, some of the people are supported by their support workers.  

The FD Panto Crew co-wrote and adapted the story together with the organisation’s Music and Creative Activities Lead, Kevin Phoenix – who has over 25 years’ experience of working with learning disabilities and supporting autistic people. 

Kevin explained: “The goal of this pantomime is to challenge traditional stereotypes of disability in performance and show audiences the immense talent that exists in all corners of society. 

“Cinderella is a rags to riches story, about kindness, fairness, and overcoming adversity. It is about being able to live your dream,” said Stuart Vallantine, the show’s narrator.  

“The people supported by Future Directions are flourishing with each rehearsal, and gaining confidence as the big day gets closer,” he added, 

The pantomime will take place at St. Matthew’s C of E Church on Burnley Lane, Chadderton, on Friday, December 12. It is only open to the support workers and the friends and family of the people supported by Future Directions CIC.