The Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company (LHMTC) is a Theatre Company with a difference.  It is a charity is run by volunteers who are totally passionate about the organisation. Founded in 2001, it started out as a small drama group with just 15 members.  Its register now holds nearly 100!

At the Lavender Hill Mob Theatre Company there may be those who are not successful in auditions elsewhere, or who feel that they do not have the confidence but would like to be given the opportunity to perform on stage.  At LHMTC, we do not hold auditions - everyone has a part to play, be it large or small. From the age of 4 onwards, everyone is important.

Just because someone has a disadvantage it does not mean that they cannot do the same as ordinary people.  We help them achieve and overcome their disadvantage....the Lavender Hill way!

In the way that the youngsters are taught with no pressure and doing just what they are able to, they gain confidence and raise their self-esteem by being a part of something which they never believed they could be. Existing skills are utilised and they learn to interact with each other.  Learning is made to be fun and it is just pure magic to see how easily the group does learn. New friendships are formed and everyone feels safe and comfortable in our friendly, family atmosphere. The younger ones and those with disabilities are ‘shadowed’ so are never left out. For some, coming to Lavender Hill is the highlight of their week and for others it is their life.  Some have even gone on to further their achievements and are now studying drama at college or work on the stage!  

We have experienced Artistic and Musical Directors, British Sign Language teacher, a music and vocal coach, seamstresses and costume designers, dance and movement advisor, plus many other volunteers who are there to give support and help twice and sometimes three times a week.  They are all dedicated and passionate in what they do and what the youngsters are able to achieve.

Weekly workshops and rehearsals provide a focus for shows and if we cannot sustain these or fund the shows, then they would be heartbroken and their hard work all in vain.  For many, they have not even been on stage and we give them the chance to believe in and live their dreams. They are all stars! We are so proud of them!

STORIES OF TWO MEMBERS:

JOHN’S STORY

John was only a teenager when his keyworker brought him along to a workshop.  He looked like a skinny waif as he cowered in the corner, not daring to speak or interact with anyone.  He was used to being mentally, verbally and physically tortured during his life and therefore thought that everyone was going to do this to him because of a slight really unnoticeable disadvantage he had. The Lavender Hill team spoke to him gently and occasionally – no pressure. This continued for many months.  He sobbed on his birthday when the group gave him and card and presents – no-one had really treated him kindly before. The kids got used to him and spoke to him, being by now used to no reaction. Slowly, John moved in closer to the workshop acting, and the other members.  Bit by bit he learned that no-one would abuse him.  He started to slowly to trust and gain trust from everyone, taking part and gradually speaking.  He used to bike backwards and forwards to each meeting sometimes 3 times a week, covering some 15 miles or so.  Now, John is a changed person.  He choreographs dance movements on stage, he has performed his own routines and directs the youngsters when necessary.  He helps the Music Director with the sound system, etc,  encourages the others and has lots of his own input!  His keyworker was amazed!

After nearly 5 years, John has become his own person, being accepted back in to society, with  his own flat and job. He can hold a conversation, have a laugh and joke and has a wicked sense of humour! He has blossomed into a totally different person and is very proud of what he is. So are we!

IAN’S STORY

Ian is a gorgeous little boy, who does and has everything the same as any little boy of his age. He has Down’s Syndrome.  He was 6 years old when his mum told a team member of Lavender at one of their events, that people were saying that he would be disruptive, noisy, and upset people if he went to any organisation or group.  His mum and family were very hurt to say the least.  The team member totally disagreed and asked mum to bring him to a workshop.  Yes, he gets fidgety, plus he sometimes wants to do things his way.....but this is overcome and worked with so he fits in.  No problem.  He has been a member of LHMTC for nearly two years now.  He loves to dance, do sign language, join in, and do exactly the same as everyone else.  When you think he is not listening, as all kids do sometimes, he surprises you by being on cue with the songs, the signing and best of all the dancing!  He is loved by everyone!  His mum and family are so, so proud of him, as we all are!!

STOP PRESS!  BOOK NOW!  ‘DICK WHITTINGTON – WITH A TWIST!’

The focus for the group at the moment is the Spring Panto, Dick Whittington with a Twist! which will be performed at the Corn Exchange, Kings Lynn on 2.30pm and 7.30 on Sunday 20 May.  Tickets now available from the Box Office 01553 764864

‘THE THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE’

After racking their brains to find a way of raising money for an absolutely fantastic charity, Hayden Harbud and several other friends came up with a challenge of massive proportions!! They are going to do the " THREE PEAKS CHALLENGE " This challenge involves climbing the highest mountains in Scotland, England and Wales within 24 hours! Yes that’s right, climbing and travelling between, the tallest mountains in England, Scotland and Wales within 24 HOURS!!! We will attempt this on June 30th...press ‘control’ and click the link below to find out more and/or to make a donation. All sponsorships will go towards funding and sustaining the Lavender Hill Mob, including their much needed second minibus.

http://www.justgiving.com/ThreePeaksChallenge-Hayden

FUNDING OR SPONSORSHIPS FOR A MUCH NEEDED MINIBUS!

At the moment we need another minibus. This is a lifeline for those without transport and it helps parents with transport and saves fuel emissions too!  In the course of workshops and outdoor events and fetes, we have always had the support of parents with ‘car sharing’.  Now we have so many members, we were lucky enough to be funded for a minibus, which the youngsters applied for themselves.  We now find ourselves needing another minibus so everyone can travel together so we are starting a ‘funding pot’ for this.  If anyone can help, please let us know or you can make a donation via our website www.lhmtc.co.uk