“The inspectors” & “The return of the inspectors” - Devon - March – September 2005
Devised with the bideford “chapter” of many directions theatre co., this was an interactive theatre show designed to help people with learning difficulties and service providers work together to improve access and inclusion in the community. it visited community resource centres & arts venues across devon & was also performed for the learning disability partnership board. The show followed the comic-capers of two ‘inspectors’ as they investigated the impact of recent “modernisation” policies on our characters - & then challenged the audience to explore what options they might have.
After the success of the inspectors, Devon social services and Exeter city council offered funding for a further tour of the show. We began again with a research period to find out how the changes to services for people with learning difficulties were currently effecting people’s lives and updated the show. The return of the inspectors had more of an emphasis on working together to make community services more accessible including employment, college, transport, leisure and arts activities and other parts of everyday life. Performances included the plough arts centre, exeter phoenix, north devon college and the ellen tinkham school in exeter.
“It was really good and I enjoyed it and it helps people with learning difficulties to have confidence”
Audience member“A wonderful performance – great that we can have a good laugh as well as face serious problems.”
member of the learning disability partnership board“Absolutely brilliant – the audience participation could be used in all sorts of places to improve communication and spread the word.”
Audience member“I was tremendously impressed with the performance - I found it funny & provocative. I have had a number of unsolicited comments from a variety of people all who have participated in your performances. They wanted me to know how powerful & important the messages were that you were communicating.”
Sam Newman – head of Devon learning disability services