Our vision
A society that values the diversity, creativity and citizenship of people with a learning disability and autistic people.
What we do
Working with people with a learning disability and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland to tackle inequalities and drive social change through performing arts and issue-based theatre. Supporting over 800 people a year to express themselves creatively, build social connections, and achieve aspirations as performers, musicians, and DJs.
Inspiring Stories & Inclusive Theatre
This short film highlights the powerful impact of our performance programme. Hear from our partner theatres — Newcastle Theatre Royal, The Customs House, Arts Centre Washington, and Northern Stage — as they share their thoughts on why The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is such a valued part of their programmes and communities.
The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company has been awarded a Small Sparks Plus grant of £3,000 from Newcastle City Council, administered by Connected Voice, to support Fresh Club Night, an inclusive club night run by DJs with a learning disability and autistic DJs since 1998. Taking place on the first Thursday of each month at World Headquarters nightclub in Newcastle, Fresh club night is a welcoming, supportive night out for people with a learning disability, autistic people, and their friends, families, and carers. DJs from The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy in Wallsend perform at each event, bringing different themes every month, from 90’s Night to Girl bands vs. Boy bands . The Small Sparks Plus scheme helps VCSE organisations improve the health and wellbeing of local communities. This grant will enable The Twisting Ducks to continue delivering the monthly club night, providing an opportunity for people with a learning disability and autistic people to lead full and active social lives. Fresh Club Night supports the Stay Up Late campaign, a national movement challenging restrictive social care practices and tackling social isolation by making it normal for people with a learning disability and autistic people to go out and party. Hannah Eldridge, DJ Academy facilitator at The Twisting Ducks, said: “Fresh Club Night is such an important space for our community. It’s an opportunity for our DJs to express themselves and showcase their skills, and for everyone attending to enjoy great music, build social connections, and most importantly, have loads of fun. Our DJs work so hard to create a brilliant atmosphere every month, and we’re thrilled that this funding means we can keep the night going and welcome even more people.” Marc McAndrew, member of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, and a regular attendee of Fresh Club Night, said: “I’ve been going to Fresh since I was 18, I'm now 43. I love going to Fresh Club night. It's a brilliant atmosphere, I see friends that I haven’t seen for a long time or would not see unless I went there. You also get to meet new people you have not met before, I’ve made loads of new friends there, and found a girlfriend there too. The music is great, and they always have new up-to-date music as well as some classics, which makes me get up and dance. I love Fresh, it's great and I look forward to it each month. I can’t wait for the Halloween one, bring it on!” Coming up at Fresh Club Night: Fresh Club Night: Halloween Spooktacular Thursday 6th November 2025, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Find out more Fresh Club Night: Jingle Bell Ball Thursday 4th December 2025, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Where: World Headquarters, Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square, East, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 6UF Fresh Club Night takes place on the 1st Thursday of each month, 6.30pm - 10.30pm Cost: £6.00 per person (carers get in free). Tickets available on the door (for people aged 18 years +) Fresh club night is run by DJ’s from the Twisting Ducks DJ Academy. Find out more about joining The Twisting Ducks groups and academies
