BGU graduate's production to run in West End!

Bishop Grosseteste University (BGU) graduate Daniel Swift is once again making waves in the world of theatre! This time, taking a production aimed at people labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) to the West End and is the very first of its kind. In 2019, he founded Concrete Youth, a theatre company for the purpose of creating more accessible shows and events.

'I am thrilled to share some exciting news with you; we will soon be announcing that our next production will run in the West End this autumn. This marks a significant milestone as it will be the first West End production specifically designed for audiences labelled with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). I loved my time at the university. It was transformational for my practice and introduced me to the world of inclusive arts and education. The educators in the Drama department were exceptional and continue to support my work years later.' Daniel Swift

Sensory Cinders is a new sensory pantomime adaptation of Cinderella for audiences labelled with PMLD, featuring original music that explores themes of identity, self-expression, transformation, magic, personas, authenticity, and connectedness. What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you?

This marks the first West End show and the first inclusive sensory pantomime specifically designed for audiences such as this. The production features specially designed sensory materials by Henshaws Arts & Crafts, a Yorkshire-based collective supporting local learning-disabled visual artists. The show marks all the artists’ professional theatre debuts.

Sensory Cinders is a co-production from the multi-award-winning sensory theatre company Concrete Youth and the nationally recognised venue Barnsley Civic. The production is presented in partnership with @sohoplace and Henshaws Arts Centre. The show is supported by Sheffield Theatres and Arts Council England. and the production's development was supported by the National Theatre's Generate programme.

You can read Daniel Swift's previous work at Concrete Youth with people with profound and multiple learning disabilities here.