Play In A Week, based in fully accessible Nomad Theatre in East Horsley, Surrey, is designed to ‘let loose’ the talents of all involved regardless of disability. Over forty disabled people of all ages come together each July to rehearse and perform a play in just one week. The individuals involved have the opportunity to input their own ideas and the roles are tailored to their individual interests and capabilities. We have found that Play In A Week benefits the participants enormously in a myriad of different ways; including helping them to develop self- confidence, enhancing their interpersonal skills and contributing to the development of emotional maturity. It also provides numerous opportunities for creative self-expression and lots of fun for all involved. Volunteers (also numbering around 40) have a very important role during the week – assisting and supporting disabled performers both on and off-stage, providing refreshments, making costumes, building the set and providing sound, lighting and all the other off stage jobs that make theatre happen.
