ECL Crafty Drama perform for The Mayor and Mayoress in Colchester’s ruined Abbey

Crafty Drama performed a selection of routines to popular music form artists such as Little Mix, Ed Sheeran, and the Spice Girls, as well as favourites from musicals and films such as The Greatest Showman, Frozen and Oliver! for their special guests.

The Mayor, Councillor Tim Young said: “It was great to be invited to watch Crafty Drama perform, the Mayoress and I thoroughly enjoyed it. These young adults are so talented and inspiring. Their passion for the performing arts was clear to see. The performances were both moving and uplifting to watch. Crafty Drama epitomise our theme of celebrating diversity and promoting inclusivity in our great town (soon to be city) and are a wonderful example of inclusivity and diversity in action within our community.”

ECL Crafty Drama is an entirely inclusive drama group which gives adults with learning disabilities the chance to learn social, communication, motor, and life skills through the use of sign language, music, dance, and drama.

This free community event provided a chance for the local community to come together and enjoy performances of some of this inclusive drama group’s favourite routines.

The group was recently a finalist at the National Learning Disabilities and Autism Awards in the ‘People’s Award’ category. While they did not win, they did receive a special commendation from the judges and were awarded ‘Highly Commended’ in their category for making a difference to the lives of the customers they support.

Crafty Drama sessions are held daily Monday to Friday, customers are welcome to attend on specific days or come for a full week. The group is held in the church hall at St Botolph’s church Monday to Thursday and on a Friday takes place at ECL Colchester - Woodlands Day Centre.

For more information about ECL Crafty Drama visit ecl.org/drama-colchester

To find out more about how ECL supports Adults with learning disabilities in Essex visit ecl.org/services