The Get Changed Theatre Company, a drama group for adults with learning disabilities, will stage a Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-inspired production at Okehampton’s Charter Hall tomorrow (Friday).

It will be the group’s first performance since the Government removed all covid restrictions in July and since regular face-to-face meetings resumed, the actors have focused on producing the performance.

The production, called A Charlie and The Chocolate Factory Inspired Buttery Biscuit Based Saga, revolves around a secretive billionaire who must find the right family to pass on his biscuit making company. It will start at 7pm.

Normally performing twice a year, the group have had only a few months to prepare for the show. Chief executive Adam Atkins said: ’They put this one up pretty quick. They’ve done a good job of working together.’

During lockdown, the group undertook online sessions via Zoom but the actors are eager to get back on stage for live performances, said Mr Atkins.

Along with artistic director, Jules Walker, the actors met once a week working to create the theatre performance which was inspired by the book written by the Roald Dahl. Mrs Walker helped the group combine their ideas into a unique story, that also includes song and dance.

’We work in small groups and make sure everyone gets heard. There are a couple of quiet ones but working in small groups helps with that,’ said Mrs Walker.

Group members kept offering ideas throughout the production process and Mrs Walker explained that the title changed week by week. She said: ’Every week another word was added to the title and it got longer and longer.’

The company has also ensured that adaptations to the production were made according to each actor’s needs.

Mrs Walker said: ’What this show is not about is the disability, it’s about the ability.’

The Get Changed Theatre Company was formed in 1995 to provide adults with learning disabilities in mid and west Devon the chance to get involved in drama productions. It began with only seven member but is now made up of over 50 people.

Lyn Evans, trustee of Get Changed Theatre said that getting involved in drama had had benefits for many of the actors.

’They [the performances] are always a little impromptu and very funny and full of enthusiasm. I noticed that people, some of actors were completely non-verbal and by three or four [performances] they were completely engaged. They have got a purpose and they are mixing with other people,’ he said.

For more information or ticket information, visit the Get Changed Theatre Company’s website at www.getchanged.com