What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you?

Three University of Hull alumni are at the heart of a groundbreaking new show that aims to give the gift of theatre to an audience that has been neglected for too long. Sensory Cinders, a co-production between multi-award winning sensory theatre company Concrete Youth (link to our previous article) and Barnsley Civic will be the first production for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities (PMLD) to be performed in London’s West End when it shows @sohoplace later this year.

Below, you can find out more about the show, the performance and the three brilliant University of Hull graduates at Concrete Youth who are making this production happen.

Sensory Cinders is a new sensory pantomime adaptation of Cinderella for audiences living with PMLD, featuring original music that explores themes of identity, self-expression, transformation, magic, personas, authenticity, and connectedness. What does it mean to pursue self-love and understanding in a world that doesn’t understand you?

The production features specially designed sensory materials by Henshaws Arts & Crafts, a Yorkshire-based collective supporting local learning-disabled visual artists. The show marks all the artists’ professional theatre debuts.

This trail blazing production is the first inclusive sensory pantomime specifically designed for audiences labelled with PMLD. The production also marks the first West End production for the audience. The production will begin previews on 30th October, with Press Day on 1st November, followed by a limited West End season at @sohoplace.

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Daniel Swift FRSA
Job Title: CEO & Co-Artistic Director
Course: MA Theatre Making
Graduated: 2019

Following my undergraduate studies, my pursuit of inclusive theatre led me to the University of Hull, where I read for a Master’s Degree in Theatre Making. Specialising in Inclusive Theatre for People living with PMLD, my time at Hull was nothing short of transformative. The University provided me with a platform to hone my skills and expand my understanding of how theatre can be made accessible to all. It was here that I truly evolved as an artist, theatre producer, and eventually, a CEO. The supportive and innovative environment at Hull played a crucial role in shaping my career and vision.

I’m so proud that a company that was founded at the University of Hull has gone on to produce the first West End production tailored for learning-disabled audiences. Reflecting on my journey, I am immensely grateful for the opportunities and experiences that the University of Hull provided. The knowledge, skills, and inspiration I gained there continue to drive my work and passion for inclusive theatre.

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Belle Streeton
Job Title: Co-Artistic Director
Course: BA (Hons) Drama & Theatre Practice
Graduated: 2018

Studying Drama at the University of Hull was a transformative experience that launched my career in theatre. The exceptional training I received there opened doors to numerous opportunities, including collaborations with renowned Hull-based companies like Middle Child, Beats Bus, Hull Truck Theatre, the Regional Young Theatre Directors Scheme, and Concrete Youth, where I now serve as Co-Artistic Director. The course was very practical, unlike other Theatre degrees, which allowed us the opportunity to learn stage management, set design, lighting, sound design, as well as acting and directing, which was key to my development as an artist.

This foundation paved the way for my current pursuit of a Master’s Degree in Theatre Directing at the Bristol Old Vic Theatre School. This journey has helped lead to a groundbreaking achievement: directing the first West End production specifically designed for audiences with profound and multiple learning disabilities.

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Annabelle Lee
Job Title: Head of Education & Engagement
Course: BA (Hons) English
Graduated: 2022

I graduated from the University of Hull with a BA hons in English in 2022 and am now completing a Masters in English Literature, while working full time in the arts. The University of Hull was a wonderful place for me to try my hand at creative writing, play scripts and develop my literary analysis skills, which are all tools that I use in my role as Head of Education at Concrete Youth. 

In my work, I regularly tour public venues around the city of Hull, Leeds and Manchester to deliver original and bespoke Sensory Stories for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities. However, my next project will be to work with schools around the country to help engage them with our new show, which is in partnership with The National Theatre.  I truly believe that without the skills and confidence The University of Hull have given me, I wouldn’t have experienced the level of career progression that I have.