A woman with autism and learning disabilities is helping to design a backdrop for an upcoming club night thanks to a mentoring programme.
Kay Morgan, 45, is working alongside set designer Fiona Chivers to create a Brazilian-themed backdrop for the ‘Funky Llama Club Night’ at Plymouth Theatre Royal’s TR2 venue on October 17.
Morgan, who lives at Victoria House in Plymouth, which is run by independent care provider Regard, is a member of the Funky Llama mentoring programme that gives people with learning disabilities the chance to develop their skills alongside professionals and learn the basics of shaping and running events.
The club night will have a colourful flamboyant carnival theme and involve an evening of dancing, singing, films, DJs, chill-out zone and a bar, and will be accessible to everyone.
“She is thrilled to bits to have the chance to become involved with the cabaret night,” said Victoria House’s service manager, Sarah Ghent. “It’s put a real smile on her face and is really helping her to relax.”
Morgan’s sister, Kerry Smith, said her sister has always loved drawing and painting. “Her disorder can make her very rigid about things. Doing this has really taken her out of herself and got her doing something different and meeting new people. She’s really in her element.”
The Funky Llama project is the brainchild of Theatre Royal creative learning director Victoria Allen and is run in partnership with Plymouth Music Zone and Attik Dance.
“People with learning disabilities should have the same opportunities as everyone else, whether that’s about developing as an artist, leading or taking part in arts activities or simply having a great night out,” said Allen.
“We are proud and privileged to work alongside Kay and her fellow crew members to help build up their level of skill alongside the professionals and learn about putting on an event.”
The Funky Llama Club Night will be opened by Paignton-based music group Samba Roc, who ‘drum to the beat of Brazil’ and also includes Too Hot for Candy ‘with big beats and funky drumming’ and an open mic session.
Tickets for the Night cost £5. To book call the Theatre Royal Plymouth box office on 01752 260 960 or for further information visit: www.theatreroyal.com
