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The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company has been awarded a Small Sparks Plus grant of £3,000 from Newcastle City Council, administered by Connected Voice, to support Fresh Club Night, an inclusive club night run by DJs with a learning disability and autistic DJs since 1998. Taking place on the first Thursday of each month at World Headquarters nightclub in Newcastle, Fresh club night is a welcoming, supportive night out for people with a learning disability, autistic people, and their friends, families, and carers. DJs from The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy in Wallsend perform at each event, bringing different themes every month, from 90’s Night to Girl bands vs. Boy bands . The Small Sparks Plus scheme helps VCSE organisations improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. This grant will enable The Twisting Ducks to continue delivering the monthly club night, providing an opportunity for people with a learning disability and autistic people to lead full and active social lives. Fresh Club Night supports the Stay Up Late campaign, a national movement challenging restrictive social care practices and tackling social isolation by making it normal for people with a learning disability and autistic people to go out and party. Hannah Eldridge, DJ Academy facilitator at The Twisting Ducks, said: “Fresh Club Night is such an important space for our community. It’s an opportunity for our DJs to express themselves and showcase their skills, and for everyone attending to enjoy great music, build social connections, and most importantly, have loads of fun. Our DJs work so hard to create a brilliant atmosphere every month, and we’re thrilled that this funding means we can keep the night going and welcome even more people.” Marc McAndrew, member of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, and a regular attendee of Fresh Club Night, said: “I’ve been going to Fresh since I was 18, I'm now 43. I love going to Fresh Club night. It's a brilliant atmosphere, I see friends that I haven’t seen for a long time or would not see unless I went there. You also get to meet new people you have not met before, I’ve made loads of new friends there, and found a girlfriend there too. The music is great, and they always have new up-to-date music as well as some classics, which makes me get up and dance. I love Fresh, it's great and I look forward to it each month. I can’t wait for the Halloween one, bring it on!” Coming up at Fresh Club Night: Fresh Club Night: Halloween Spooktacular Thursday 6th November 2025, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Find out more Fresh Club Night: Jingle Bell Ball Thursday 4th December 2025, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Where: World Headquarters, Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square, East, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF Fresh Club Night takes place on the 1st Thursday of each month, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Cost: £6.00 per person (carers get in free). Tickets available on the door (for people aged 18 years +) Fresh club night is run by DJ’s from the Twisting Ducks DJ Academy. Find out more about joining The Twisting Ducks groups and academies

Team Twisting Ducks raised an incredible £3,099 by taking part in the AJ Bell Great North Run 2025, more than double our original target of £1,400! Seven fantastic runners, Cat, Michael, Sonia, Ailsa, Conor, Nigel and Sarah-Jane, took on the challenge, each with a fundraising target of £200. Together, they went above and beyond, showing just how much support there is for The Twisting Ducks’ work. Every pound raised will support our work across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland, helping people with a learning disability and autistic people to express themselves creatively, develop skills and social connections, and achieve aspirations as performers, musicians and DJs. Lisa, Trustee and member of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: “I want to say the biggest thank you and well done to all runners who took part in the Great North Run - you all made difference.”

Partner with The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company to create powerful and accessible information films that connect with your audience. Our professional filmmaking service transforms your message into engaging, easy-to-understand content for people with a learning disability and autistic people, helping you to reach more people, make a bigger impact and demonstrate your commitment to accessibility. Our filmmaking service brings your message to life through: Live action, animation, music, and infographics BSL signing, voiceover, and multi-language subtitles Talented performers with a learning disability and autistic performers Why choose film? Creative & impactful : Make your information easy to understand and engaging. Accessible : Clear communication designed for people with a learning disability and autistic people. Shareable : Perfect for websites, social media, training and conferences. Cross-promotion : Once signed off, we’ll share your film on our website, YouTube channel and social media platforms (Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn), helping you to reach relevant new audiences.

The Twisting Ducks is delighted to have seven amazing runners taking on the AJBell Great North Run on Sunday 7th September 2025. The team includes dedicated supporters and members of staff, who collectively aim to raise over £1,500. All funds raised will directly support The Twisting Ducks’work with people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. Among them is Ailsa, who said: “I have witnessed how inaccessible the arts can be for parts of our community in the North East. I feel passionate about supporting this charity who are actively promoting and striving towards a more accessible and equitable world. They are championing the voices of local people and celebrating what makes everyone unique.” Also on the team, Conor, said: "Having worked in the Theatre industry myself as well as studying & graduating with a Masters Degree (MA) in Theatre, I've seen first hand what incredible work charities like Twisting Ducks do towards bringing accessibility and opportunities to those who have difficulties accessing theatre." Father and daughter duo, Nigel and Sarah Jane are running together. Sarah Jane said: "I have personally seen the benefits it offers all its' members like my auntie Fiona. Their shows never fail to bring a smile to everyones' faces!" Cat, Drama Facilitator at The Twisting Ducks, said: "I'm really excited to use this opportunity to prove a point to myself, raise awareness for Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/ Chronic Fatigue Syndrome AND raise vital funds for The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charity I've had the joy of working for, for the past 4 years. Where everyday we're raising awareness and making beautiful work." Sonia, Drama Facilitator and Drama Support worker at The Twisting Ducks, said: "I have been lucky enough to have been working for this fantastic charity for the last four years. It would mean a great deal to me if you could spare a moment to help raise some money to support this wonderful cause." Michael, Drama Facilitator at The Twisting Ducks, said: "I will be running the Great North Run and I'd greatly appreciate your support in raising £600 for the amazing Twisting Ducks Theatre Company." 60,000 determined and dedicated runners make the AJ Bell Great North Run the World’s biggest marathon – famous for its warm North East welcome, unbeatable atmosphere and the millions raised for good causes. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company provides accessible arts opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. The charity supports over 800 people a year to express themselves creatively, to develop their skills and social connections, and to achieve their aspirations as performers, musicians and DJ's. Meet Team Twisting Ducks Let's cheer on our fantastic team of runners as they take on the AJBell Great North Run and help make a difference! Visit their individual fundraising pages (click the links below) to follow their progress as they train and to make your donation.

Did you know that The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company offers an Accessible Health Resource service? One of our key specialisms is Easy Read - transforming complex documents into clear, accessible formats that supports people with learning disabilities and autistic people to engage, understand, and make informed choices. Why Easy Read matters Under the Equality Act 2010, Easy Read is a reasonable adjustment to help ensure people are treated fairly. If your organisation is funded (or partly funded) by the NHS or Adult Social Care, you're legally required to meet the Accessible Information Standard, which includes Easy Read. Accessible information isn't optional - it's essential. It empowers people, builds trust, and ensures no one is left out of important conversations about their health, rights or care. Our Easy Read service We’ve been delivering Easy Read for over 10 years, helping health and care organisations across the North East and beyond to create clear, accessible documents. Our team includes: A specialist Easy Read writer Experienced graphic designers People with learning disabilities and/or autistic people who are paid for their contributions and insight Our Easy Read service is part of our wider Accessible Health Resource service, a key part of our mission to make systems fairer, more inclusive and easier to navigate for people with learning disabilities and autistic people. What we can help with Health information leaflets Feedback forms Reports and research summaries Appointment letters Consent forms Public consultations Surveys

Our Arts Group for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) is an exciting opportunity for people to explore their creativity. Each week, participants are immersed in a sensory experience through sound, light, texture, and movement. Using stimuli such as music, scarves, lights, and more, we create a sensory-rich environment that invites creative expression in many different forms. The sessions are centred on supporting people with PMLD to make meaningful artistic choices and contribute to a collaborative exhibition planned for September 2025. Together, the group creates and captures soundscapes and visual artworks inspired by their own interests and preferences. While participants themselves are not photographed or filmed, they play an active role in the creative process, shaping the audio and visual outcomes of the work. The group takes place weekly on Wednesdays at Wallsend Library Group 1: 10.15am - 12noon Group 2: 12.45pm - 2.30pm Cost: Free - This programme is fully funded until September 2025, but spaces are limited. Venue: Wallsend Library, 16, The Forum, NE28 8JR (fully accessible venue, with changing place) To find out more about joining the group, please contact Sue: Email: sue@thetwistingducks.co.uk / Phone: 07889 597754 The Twisting Ducks Arts Group for people with profound and multiple learning disabilities is supported by Community Foundation and Ringtons.

The theme of Learning Disability Week is 'Do you see me?' which is all about people with a learning disability being seen, heard and valued. We've curated a selection of videos from our archive to raise awareness and challenge the barriers people with a learning disability face, and celebrate the things that people with a learning disability bring to society.

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents: Hi, I'm Charlie A new play by Theatre Royal (Saturday) Performing Arts Academy Saturday 7th June 2025, 2.45pm and 7.45pm Studio Theatre, Newcastle Theatre Royal Book tickets here The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Hi, I'm Charlie, a bold new play taking place at the Studio Theatre in Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sat 7 June 2025 . Charlie faces barriers — at work, at home, in everyday life. We all face barriers though, don’t we? And actually, who really is Charlie? Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists from The Twisting Ducks Theatre Royal Academy, Hi, I’m Charlie explores themes of identity, perception, and what it means to feel seen. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company provides accessible arts opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. The charity supports over 800 people a year to express themselves creatively, to develop their skills and social connections, and to achieve their aspirations as performers, musicians and DJ's. By using issue–based art forms they educate and inform, and help people speak up about social issues, to provoke thought, and to stimulate change. Hi, I’m Charlie has been a year in the making by 11 participants from the Saturday Theatre Royal Academy. A separate academy takes place on Wednesdays which creates and performs a new play each year, their most recent was What Am I Like? In November 2024. Cat Catizone, Drama Facilitator at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “We’re delighted to be back at Newcastle Theatre Royal with a bold new play. Hi, I’m Charlie asks big questions — about identity, barriers, and how we’re seen by the world. It’s thought-provoking, full of heart, and features a number of brilliant new performers making their debut with us.” The Twisting Ducks’ partnership with Newcastle Theatre Royal contributes to the theatre’s overall strategy, aiming to enhance its outreach work by building pathways to creativity for all, and providing an open, safe and inclusive place in the iconic Grey Street building. Hi, I’m Charlie will be presented at Newcastle Theatre Royal on Sat 7 June 2025 at 2.45pm and 7.45pm. Tickets are £12 (carers free) and are available from: www.theatreroyal.co.uk or by telephone to Theatre Royal Box Office: 0191 232 7010

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents: Let There Bee Magic... and Scones! A new play by Morpeth Performing Arts Academy Friday 9th May 2025, 1pm and 7pm Morpeth Methodist Church Book tickets here  The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Let There Bee Magic… and Scones! , an imaginative new play created and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, taking place at Morpeth Methodist Church on Friday 9th May 2025 at 1pm and 7pm. Set in a magical version of Morpeth, the play follows a day in the life of the town’s most curious characters – featuring a bee farm, a nail salon bakery, and a volleyball café. But all is not as it seems… as magic stirs and cheese scone monsters emerge! Written and performed by members of The Twisting Ducks' Morpeth Performing Arts Academy, Let There Bee Magic… and Scones! is a joyful exploration of home, belonging, and community connection. With a vibrant mix of comedy, drag, music, and dance, the show builds to a dazzling cabaret finale that brings Morpeth’s fantastical world to life. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company works with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and drive social change through performing arts. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks supports over 800 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic talents, and ensure their voices are heard. Sonia Hudson, Morpeth Performing Arts Academy Facilitator at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “This show is full of laughter, creativity and magic. It’s been such a joy to see the cast bring their ideas to life and celebrate the unique world they’ve imagined together.” When asked about Let There Bee Magic... and Scones!, the cast said: "The show is a lot of fun to make, we had a great time creating the characters." - Sam Hutchinson "Making new friends along the way and I enjoy being in the group" - Rachel Lynch Performance info Friday 9th May 2025, 1pm & 7pm Morpeth Methodist Church Howard Terrace Morpeth NE61 1HU Tickets £5 (carers go free) Click here to book tickets online or telephone 07925 167775

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents Dregs Opera, a bold new musical inspired by the true story of Alonzo Johnson—a historic local queer figure convicted and deported to Tasmania because of his sexuality. This powerful production takes the stage at Arts Centre Washington on Friday 4th April 2025.

Tick Tock Whenever , a new thought-provoking production by the Spectrum Theatre Group at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company debuts at Northern Stage on Thursday 27th March 2025 . This exciting steampunk odyssey follows a group of extraordinary adventurers as they journey through fractured timelines and alternate realities. Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, Tick Tock Whenever delves into the unknown, uncovering heartfelt moments that explore vulnerability, resilience, and triumph over adversity. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company works with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and drive social change through performing arts. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, the Twisting Ducks supports over 800 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic talents, and ensure their voices are heard. The Twisting Ducks Spectrum Theatre group is funded by Newcastle Culture Investment Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and supported by Northern Stage. Kieran Harland, actor and member of The Twisting Ducks Spectrum Theatre group, said: “We’re really excited to present Tick Tock Whenever at Northern Stage. It’s a powerful play with an important message about living authentically in the now, rather than the past or the future.” Jan Willem van den Bosch, Lead facilitator and project manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “ Tick Tock Whenever is a zany exploration of the lives of autistic people and people with a learning disabilities, and also shines a light on stories that are often underrepresented in mainstream theatre. We’re excited for audiences to experience this unique journey and engage in conversations that challenge perceptions and inspire change.” Performance Details Thursday 27th March 2025, Northern Stage 4pm and 7pm Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Tickets: £10 (carers free) Book tickets > https://bit.ly/tick-tock-whenever or telephone: 0191 230 5151 School and Group bookings A special performance for schools and groups will take place at 1pm on Thursday 27th March 2025 To arrange tickets, please contact us via email: info@thetwistingducks.co.uk or telephone 07925 167775

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is delighted to announce two new thought-provoking productions, Tick Tock Whenever and Dregs Opera , set to take the stage this spring. Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, these original works promise to take audiences on compelling journeys through time and history to challenge perceptions and amplify underrepresented voices. Tick Tock Whenever Journey into the unknown Step into a steampunk odyssey of time travel and self-discovery by Spectrum Theatre Group. Tick Tock Whenever follows a group of extraordinary adventurers as they journey through fractured timelines and alternate realities. This powerful new play ventures into the unknown to uncover heartfelt moments that explore vulnerability, resilience, and triumph over adversity. Performance Details Thursday 27th March 2025, Northern Stage 1pm (schools and groups), 4pm and 7pm Northern Stage, Barras Bridge, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 7RH Tickets: £10 (carers free) Book tickets > https://bit.ly/tick-tock-whenever or telephone: 0191 230 5151 Spectrum Theatre group is funded by Newcastle Culture Investment Fund at the Community Foundation Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, and supported by Northern Stage. Dregs Opera Sunderland Platform Theatre Group returns with an ambitious musical based on the true story of historic, local queer figure, Alonzo Johnson, who was deported to Australia and condemned to death because of his sexuality. Presented as an adaptation of Gay’s Beggar’s Opera and Brecht’s Threepenny Opera , the performance challenges audiences to consider marginalised voices and the horrors of discrimination, past and present. Performance Details Friday 4th April 2025, Arts Centre Washington 2pm and 7pm Arts Centre Washington, Biddick Ln, Washington NE38 8AB Tickets: £5 (carers go free) Book tickets > https://bit.ly/dregsopera or telephone: 0191 561 3455 Sunderland Platform Theatre group is funded by The Grocers' Charity, Hadrian Trust, Joicey Trust and Washington Heritage Partnership, and supported by Sunderland Culture. Jan Willem van den Bosch, Lead facilitator and project manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “ Tick Tock Whenever and Dregs Opera are powerful stories that showcase the immense talent of our artists, while also addressing important social issues with heart and authenticity. We’re excited to share these performances with audiences and spark meaningful conversations.”

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is delighted to announce it has been awarded £30,000 from The Fore, a venture philanthropy fund in the UK supporting small charities to transform lives and society. This significant award will allow The Twisting Ducks to grow its commissioned work and expand its Accessible Health Resource , a vital service providing accessible health information for people with learning disabilities and autistic people, and innovative awareness-raising resources for health and social care professionals. In addition, the grant will support The Twisting Ducks in its mission to create employment opportunities for artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, providing a platform for their creative talents while fostering inclusion and representation in the arts. The Twisting Ducks Accessible Health Resource service works with partners and commissioners to develop bespoke, targeted resources that communicate information in accessible and creative ways, including clear English or EasyRead, interactive surveys, film-making, performance, creative consultation workshops and learning disability and autism-led training sessions. Jay Hare, CEO of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "This grant will have a transformational impact on The Twisting Ducks. It allows us to expand our commissioned work while providing opportunities for our artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists to take the lead in creating and delivering accessible resources. We are incredibly grateful to The Fore for their support." To find out more about The Twisting Ducks Accessible Health Resource service, visit: www.thetwistingducks.co.uk/accessiblehealthresource 

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is delighted to announce it has been awarded £22,000 from the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding will support people with learning disabilities and autistic people to develop original performance work in North Tyneside and enable outreach workshops to the wider learning disability community in North Tyneside. Jay Hare, CEO of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support. This funding allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in North Tyneside." Lisa Kelly, Trustee and member of the Twisting Ducks, said: " I can't believe it! We are so overjoyed and it gives us a huge opportunity to work with more people in North Tyneside and to give them the same opportunities as we have had . " The Twisting Ducks runs performing arts academies and groups for people with learning disabilities and autistic people in venues across the North East region, including at Theatre Royal (Newcastle); Northern Stage (Newcastle); The Customs House (South Shields); Arts Centre Washington (Sunderland), Morpeth Methodist Church (Northumberland) and The Wallsend Memorial Centre (North Tyneside). Recent works include a new play, ‘What am I Like?!’ , presented at St James’s United Reformed Church in Newcastle upon Tyne (November 2024) and YouTube Killer, a new original music video by The Twisting Ducks band, The Twist. Click here to find out more about how to get involved

This year, we're looking back through our archive to share some of our festive songs and music videos. Watch original music videos written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, including Christmas Labels and Christmas Dreams.

YouTube Killer A new original song and music video by The Twist The Twisting Ducks is delighted to present YouTube Killer , a new original song and music video by The Twist. With vibrant costumes, creative use of green screens, and a glam rock vibe, YouTube Killer celebrates self-expression and the joy of making music together. The Twist, said: "It’s about rocking out, having fun and having a laugh. We brainstormed ideas and liked the idea of a phoenix, which inspired the chorus lyrics. We talked about YouTube because everyone watches YouTube and we want everyone to listen to our music. The video is inspired by lots of 70s glam rock bands like Queen, Kiss and Sweet. It is a funny video with lots of costumes and green screens."

Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents What am I like!? , an intricate movement performance to be presented at St James’s United Reformed Church, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wednesday 20th November 2024. What am I like!? follows a group of strangers as they explore their unique identities through a series of fun and lively moments. From the fun of the fairground, and the glitz of the catwalk, to the thrill of a party and the lure of holidays, each chapter is framed by questions and is filled with laughter and heartfelt moments. As characters share their stories and discover new things about themselves, they realise that their differences bring them closer together, making their bonds even stronger. Set against a backdrop of sing-along hits, What Am I Like!? promises to entertain with a mix of humour, lively performances, and an inspiring message about romance, diversity and acceptance. The performers, who meet weekly at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, are part of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charitable incorporated organisation working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and effect social change through performing arts. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company supports over 800 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic skills and to ensure the uniqueness and relevance of their art reaches more people. Jan Willem van den Bosch, Lead facilitator and Project Manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “This performance is a celebration of individuality. Our artists have poured their hearts into creating a piece that reminds us all how important it is to embrace our unique qualities and celebrate diversity.” Members of our cast said: "Audience will see our own ideas and creations. It will be a fantastic show." "See a play about finding love." "The audience will enjoy a fantastic show and laugh and giggle their heads off." "People will hopefully come away with a smile on their face." "The cast creates compelling and interesting pictures which I don’t think you will have seen them do before." What am I like!? is on at St James’s United Reformed Church, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 2pm. Tickets are £6 (carers free) and are available from: bit.ly/WhatAmILike

Happy Halloween from The Twist! This year our band, The Twist, have put together the ultimate playlist to set the mood for a truly spook-tacular Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, carving pumpkins, or just looking to get into the spooky spirit, we’ve got you covered with some hauntingly good tunes. But that's not all..! Check out The Twist's Halloween-themed music video, Love at Halloween... because even bad witches deserve to find their special someone!

Step into the spooktacular world of Fresh Club Night , where the music is hauntingly good and the dance floor is dying for you! Join us as our DJs drop spine-chilling beats, electrifying energy, and a playlist filled with your favourite ghoulish anthems to celebrate Halloween. Our friends at The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company are also joining the line up, with guest performances by DJs from Kroc Klub . Fancy dress is highly encouraged – whether you're a wicked witch, a creepy creature, or a classic monster, show us your best spooky costume and dance like there's no tomb-morrow! What people like most about Fresh Club Night: “It’s a great night. It’s full of fun, full of music, full of dancing, full of good times.” “I like the atmosphere and the music. It gets everyone dancing.” “I like the music variety, I like a lot of rock, punk, metal, grunge and psychedelia.” “Having a good time and dancing, the disco ball and the lights.” “To show off my DJ-ing to my friends and family." "I like getting to meet new people.” “It’s a blast, always a blast.” EVENT DETAILS Fresh Club Night A Club night run by DJ's with learning disabilities and autistic DJ's since 1998. Thursday 3rd October 2024, 6.30pm - 10.30pm World Headquarters, Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square, East, Newcastle NE1 6UF £6.00 per person (Carers get in free), available on the door For people aged 18 years and over Interested in joining The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy? Find out more here