Summer arrived early this year – along with spring, autumn and winter – as the Outside the Box Drama Group took audiences on a vibrant journey in their original performance “SpringSummerAutumnWinter” at Ilkley Playhouse.
The performance in the Wildman Studio on 11th June was a lively and heart-warming show, devised by the Drama Group under the guidance of their tutor Bernie Hughes and blended storytelling, music, humour, and song into a joyful celebration of the seasons.
Each scene brought something fresh and unexpected, from flying kites in spring to a shark sighting in summer, backed by a medley of familiar tunes that had the audience singing along to classics like Let’s Go Fly a Kite, Summer Holiday, September, and Let It Go.
Adding to the charm was a handmade red bus, created by Outside the Box Print Group, and standout props like the cheeky seagull who stole the show — and a few chips!
Behind the scenes, Shaun Hutchinson of OTB, delivered seamless sound and music, while Paul Chattwood of Ilkley Playhouse provided expert lighting, setting the perfect scene for this imaginative and inclusive performance.
The audience response was glowing:
“Wonderful show... Great fun and so uplifting! Well done to the whole cast and crew.”
“I loved the walk through the seasons with some great songs and of course the wonderful Café Joyeux!”
“A lovely performance – it always moves me to tears.”
Megan Spencer, a member of the OTB Drama group shared that being in the performance was “Brilliant and I loved it!"
Following the performance, guests were treated to “Four Seasons Cookies” made by the OTB Cooking and Baking Groups, reinforcing the collaborative spirit that defines Outside the Box’s creative community and collaboration by their members, adults with learning disabilities.
Bernie Hughes, Drama Tutor, shared her thanks:
"Huge thanks to Justine Sowden and the entire Playhouse team for welcoming us so warmly again. It was a brilliant early evening of theatre that gave every one of our performers a chance to shine."
The Outside the Box Drama Group is now taking a well-earned rest before jumping into preparations for their Christmas performance later this year!
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