Chiltern Centre’s theatre debut

THE Chiltern Centre in Henley is putting on its first ever theatrical show on Sunday.

The centre, which provides a day service for young adults aged 16 to 30 with disabilities, has teamed up with the Kenton Theatre to enable a group to practise the performing arts on stage, culminating in a live performance.

Ruth Siddorn, community fundraiser for the charity, says: “This is a pilot to see how well it goes and we’re hoping it’s going to be a yearly thing.

“It’s with our Buddies group, which is our social group that comes together every other Monday.

“I think it will kind of put them out of their comfort zones. We try to give them opportunities to build confidence and push them in the right way and with the right preparation.

“Our audience is going to be full of family and friends, which hopefully will be nice for them.

“The staff and people using the centre on Sunday are also going to come. The front row will be dedicated to staff and wheelchair-users.”

The show, called Bahdoon: The Lion’s Triumph, will be performed at the Kenton Theatre at 2pm.

Centre user Cameron takes the lead role as Bahdoon with Michael as the dragon. The villagers will be played by Erin, Daniel, Zoe, Sophie, Alice, Jessica, Caroline and Angela as well as volunteers Amelia and Rachel and centre staff Allison, Russ, Sarah, Megan, Jaxx and Erin.

Bahdoon is a lion cub, who has been shunned by the world for his uniqueness. He is banished as an outsider to the jungle, where he grows into a formidable lion, mastering the art of survival.

When a fearsome dragon stalks his old village, Bahdoon has to find the courage and strength to confront his past and return to protect those who once rejected him.

The story is one of bravery, acceptance and redemption and finding strength in our differences.

The show has been created by Gareth and Sarah and designed by Hugh at the Kenton with accompaniment from musicians Anna and Kaoru, of Opera Prelude.

• Bahdoon: The Lion’s Triumph by the Chiltern Centre is at the Kenton Theatre on Sunday, (September 17) at 2pm. Tickets cost £10.50 adults, £5.50 under-16s, £27 for a family of four. For more information and to buy tickets, call the box office on (01491) 525050 or visit kentontheatre.co.uk