The Boot Shop is a community hub where the people we support go to get creative and sell the items they make. From upcycling furniture to arts and crafts, there’s always a buzz of activity at The Boot Shop and local people love popping in to buy unique and stylish gifts.

The drama group at the service started several years ago and since then have put on a dozen productions including The Wizard of Oz, Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night’s Dream and their latest play ‘The Secret Garden’.

Vicky, one of the people we support, led a troupe of seven actors including Susannah Taylor, Frances Essex, Sharon Fewster, Digby Townsend and Kate Hewitt in this production, with other people amongst those we support getting involved in set design, marketing and the script development.

“The Secret Garden was my idea,” said Vicky. “I play the character Mary. I’m never nervous – I’ve done lots of productions now.”

The play’s director, Brian Timmins, said:

“Part of the reason we chose The Secret Garden was because it tells the story of Colin, a disabled young man, who’s going into the garden, making friends, doing things he loves transforms his life.

“And that is what United Response is all about – getting out into communities, making friends, and doing worthwhile things.”

From left: Susannah as Mrs Matlock; Sharon as the blackbird

The big day

The cast had been rehearsing ‘The Secret Garden’ since before the Covid pandemic began, but when the big public performance day finally came and they took to the stage, they were met with lots of applause and positive feedback from the audience:

To all at the Boot Shop – thank you so much for the Secret Garden play. Looking forward to your next production! Well done!

It was a fantastic performance.

It was brilliant. Thank you.

We thoroughly enjoyed it. Well done everyone and a huge thanks to Brian.

Great performance!

It was excellent as usual. They get better with every performance.

From left: Frances as Martha; Kate as Colin

Changing people’s perceptions

Brian says that the group’s productions have made a big impact in terms of United Response’s community presence in Easingwold:

“It changes the perspective of people in our community about the people we support and their ability to perform something that can move you emotionally. These productions really have changed people’s minds and that’s powerful.”

Reading lots of different stories from different time periods has meant the actors have also been learning about different cultures.

“When our actors performed The Soldier they were introduced to the poetry of Vera Brittain, Wilfred Owen and Siegried Sassoon,” said Brian. “And throughout our production of Romeo and Juliet, our actors were performing the classic Shakespearean lines.”

The drama group worked in partnership with York Theatre Royal, who they hired costumes from. A good costume really helps the actors get into character and immerse themselves in that time period.

Brian also explained how performing has been really empowering in terms of future employment opportunities for several members of the drama group saying that, ‘one of our most talented lead actors was inspired to go on and get a job as an usher at his local theatre as a result of his positive experience with our group’.

As well as getting to practice their public speaking and listening skills, Brian said the group members also enjoy the social aspect of their weekly meetings:

“People enjoy being together and having fun doing the acting, so it’s therapeutic in that way.”

If you or someone you know would be interested in joining the Boot Shop’s drama group, please call: 01347 823242 or email: Brian.Timmins@unitedresponse.org.uk

  • Jenna Lloyd is Senior Content Officer for United Response.