Movers is the learning disabled Theatre Company for Leicester. A partnership project between Speakeasy Theatre Company, and Embrace Arts at the RA Centre, the group was set up to provide performance opportunities for people with a learning disability who have some experience of drama and performance. 

Movers have performed at high profile events such as the Opening Ceremony of the Special Olympics 2009, as well as at events attended by Prime Minister Gordon Brown, Minister for Sport Gerry Sutcliffe, and Lord Richard Attenborough.

The company was formed following requests from the participants in a regular Tuesday workshop session to do more advanced performance work, and originally worked under Development Worker Jayne Lewis. Movers are managed by a steering group with representation from the performers as well as Speakeasy.

The group meets at Embrace Arts at the RACentre and perform in a variety of spaces from Day Centres to Theatres as well as developing a workshop programme for the region.

Current Touring Performance:

Movers fantastic show 'The Sorting Office'   is touring throughout 2009/10.  If you would like Movers to visit your venue contact us.

Special Olympics:

Movers performed at the opening ceremony of the Special Olympics 2009 to an audience of 25,000. This fantastic event launched a busy week of workshops and performances for the group, and was attended by Rt Hon Prime Minister Gordon Brown and his wife Sarah Brown.  Click on part 1 or part 2 to see a video of this performance on YouTube, or click here to see some great photos of Movers in action.

Past Performances:

Their debut show, 'Acceptance Avenue' opened to a packed house at Leicester' Phoenix Arts Centre in February 2005.

Movers' second show, 'Next of Kin' was premiered at the Phoenix Arts Centre Leicester on Tuesday March 14th 2006 at 2pm.  Inspired by the story of Pericles, the show was directed by Trina Haldar, assisted by Linzi Lee, and in a short tour of the East Midlands picked up some rave reviews.

In May 2007 Movers performed 'Can you see me?' for Lord Richard Attenborough and a host of other special guests including Lord Mayor of Leicester, Gary Hunt, and esteemed writer and performer Nabil Shaban at the Richard Attenborough Centre's 10th birthday celebration. 'Can you see me?' was commissioned especially for the event.

Movers' spell-binding show 'Forgotten Fragments' toured the East Midlands between March and May 2008. Click here to see some great photos of the cast in action.

Movers have also led workshops at the 'Federation of Worker Writers and Community Publishers' annual conference; worked with young non learning disabled adults from Saffron Arts Forum, participated in workshops with 'So... Dancers' from Northamptonshire and have other opportunities coming up.

If you are interested in joining Movers or hosting the group for a performance or workshop please contact us.

“The most moving, dramatic, graceful theatre I’ve seen for years!”

“So glad I came! More moving than anything I’ve seen at the theatre. Thank you.”

Audience comments from Movers' first show 'Acceptance Avenue'