Nicola Fleck: Reflection on Inclusive Theatre workshops

“Over a five week block, I had the absolute joy of leading a series of inclusive theatre workshops with an incredible group of adults from supported living services. Together, we explored themes including connection, imagination, expression, movement and character creation through games, storytelling, dance and plenty of laughter. 

From the very beginning, my aim was simple: to create a space where everyone felt welcome, included and able to join in in whatever way felt right for them. There was no right or wrong, no pressure to perform and no expectation to do anything that didn’t feel comfortable. Whether someone contributed a movement, a sound, an idea, a character or simply watched before joining in when they were ready, every contribution mattered. 

Throughout the workshops, we created soundscapes, explored emotions through movement and games, stepped into imaginary worlds and transformed into all sorts of characters using costumes and props. From becoming superheroes, pirates, queens, magical fairies, fortune tellers and ship captains, to buzzing around as bees, slithering like snakes and prowling like cats, the group embraced every opportunity to use their imagination. We created group dances, where anyone could contribute a movement and together we’d build a dance entirely of our own making and how we wanted to move. We also explored what it might feel like in our bodies to move underwater, be giants or float around in space to name but a few! Throughout the weeks, together we created worlds, characters and stories through creativity and play.  

Another big focus for me was wellbeing. More than anything, I wanted people to leave feeling good about themselves and to have fun. Theatre can be a powerful tool for building confidence, connection and self-expression, but sometimes it’s also about something much simpler than that: sharing an experience, having a laugh, allowing ourselves to be a bit silly and celebrating being creative together. 

One of the biggest highlights for me was looking around the room and seeing people smiling, laughing and fully immersed in the activity. The difference between how some people arrived and how they left was often remarkable. Watching confidence grow, seeing people encourage one another and hearing the room filled with joy reminded me why this work is so important. The group brought so much creativity, enthusiasm and humour to every session and the amount of imagination, fun and laughter that filled the room week after week was incredible to witness. 

A huge, heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part and to the staff who supported the sessions. It has been a privilege to spend these weeks creating, imagining, having fun and laughing together. For me, that’s what inclusive theatre is all about.”