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The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is delighted to announce it has been awarded £22,000 from the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, raised by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. This vital funding will support people with learning disabilities and autistic people to develop original performance work in North Tyneside and enable outreach workshops to the wider learning disability community in North Tyneside. Jay Hare, CEO of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "We are incredibly grateful to the Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and players of People’s Postcode Lottery for their support. This funding allows us to expand our reach and deepen our impact in North Tyneside." Lisa Kelly, Trustee and member of the Twisting Ducks, said: " I can't believe it! We are so overjoyed and it gives us a huge opportunity to work with more people in North Tyneside and to give them the same opportunities as we have had . " The Twisting Ducks runs performing arts academies and groups for people with learning disabilities and autistic people in venues across the North East region, including at Theatre Royal (Newcastle); Northern Stage (Newcastle); The Customs House (South Shields); Arts Centre Washington (Sunderland), Morpeth Methodist Church (Northumberland) and The Wallsend Memorial Centre (North Tyneside). Recent works include a new play, ‘What am I Like?!’ , presented at St James’s United Reformed Church in Newcastle upon Tyne (November 2024) and YouTube Killer, a new original music video by The Twisting Ducks band, The Twist. Click here to find out more about how to get involved

This year, we're looking back through our archive to share some of our festive songs and music videos. Watch original music videos written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, including Christmas Labels and Christmas Dreams.

YouTube Killer A new original song and music video by The Twist The Twisting Ducks is delighted to present YouTube Killer , a new original song and music video by The Twist. With vibrant costumes, creative use of green screens, and a glam rock vibe, YouTube Killer celebrates self-expression and the joy of making music together. The Twist, said: "It’s about rocking out, having fun and having a laugh. We brainstormed ideas and liked the idea of a phoenix, which inspired the chorus lyrics. We talked about YouTube because everyone watches YouTube and we want everyone to listen to our music. The video is inspired by lots of 70s glam rock bands like Queen, Kiss and Sweet. It is a funny video with lots of costumes and green screens."

Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presents What am I like!? , an intricate movement performance to be presented at St James’s United Reformed Church, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wednesday 20th November 2024. What am I like!? follows a group of strangers as they explore their unique identities through a series of fun and lively moments. From the fun of the fairground, and the glitz of the catwalk, to the thrill of a party and the lure of holidays, each chapter is framed by questions and is filled with laughter and heartfelt moments. As characters share their stories and discover new things about themselves, they realise that their differences bring them closer together, making their bonds even stronger. Set against a backdrop of sing-along hits, What Am I Like!? promises to entertain with a mix of humour, lively performances, and an inspiring message about romance, diversity and acceptance. The performers, who meet weekly at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, are part of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charitable incorporated organisation working with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and effect social change through performing arts. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company supports over 800 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic skills and to ensure the uniqueness and relevance of their art reaches more people. Jan Willem van den Bosch, Lead facilitator and Project Manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “This performance is a celebration of individuality. Our artists have poured their hearts into creating a piece that reminds us all how important it is to embrace our unique qualities and celebrate diversity.” Members of our cast said: "Audience will see our own ideas and creations. It will be a fantastic show." "See a play about finding love." "The audience will enjoy a fantastic show and laugh and giggle their heads off." "People will hopefully come away with a smile on their face." "The cast creates compelling and interesting pictures which I don’t think you will have seen them do before." What am I like!? is on at St James’s United Reformed Church, Newcastle upon Tyne on Wednesday 20th November 2024 at 2pm. Tickets are £6 (carers free) and are available from: bit.ly/WhatAmILike

Happy Halloween from The Twist! This year our band, The Twist, have put together the ultimate playlist to set the mood for a truly spook-tacular Halloween. Whether you’re hosting a Halloween party, carving pumpkins, or just looking to get into the spooky spirit, we’ve got you covered with some hauntingly good tunes. But that's not all..! Check out The Twist's Halloween-themed music video, Love at Halloween... because even bad witches deserve to find their special someone!

Step into the spooktacular world of Fresh Club Night , where the music is hauntingly good and the dance floor is dying for you! Join us as our DJs drop spine-chilling beats, electrifying energy, and a playlist filled with your favourite ghoulish anthems to celebrate Halloween. Our friends at The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company are also joining the line up, with guest performances by DJs from Kroc Klub . Fancy dress is highly encouraged – whether you're a wicked witch, a creepy creature, or a classic monster, show us your best spooky costume and dance like there's no tomb-morrow! What people like most about Fresh Club Night: “It’s a great night. It’s full of fun, full of music, full of dancing, full of good times.” “I like the atmosphere and the music. It gets everyone dancing.” “I like the music variety, I like a lot of rock, punk, metal, grunge and psychedelia.” “Having a good time and dancing, the disco ball and the lights.” “To show off my DJ-ing to my friends and family." "I like getting to meet new people.” “It’s a blast, always a blast.” EVENT DETAILS Fresh Club Night A Club night run by DJ's with learning disabilities and autistic DJ's since 1998. Thursday 3rd October 2024, 6.30pm - 10.30pm World Headquarters, Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square, East, Newcastle NE1 6UF £6.00 per person (Carers get in free), available on the door For people aged 18 years and over Interested in joining The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy? Find out more here

On 8 September 2024, five committed supporters took on the AJ Bell Great North Run, raising an impressive £2,248 for The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, significantly surpassing their original goal of £1,500. The funds raised will directly support The Twisting Ducks’ performing arts groups and academies, benefiting people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. Jay Hare, CEO of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who ran on behalf of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company at the AJ Bell Great North Run. A special thanks to The Card Factory Foundation for their generosity in matching Jane's sponsorship total, adding an extra £700 to the total raised. This incredible support will have a lasting impact on our members, enabling us to continue championing the diversity, creativity and citizenship of people with learning disabilities and autistic people." The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company empowers over 800 individuals each year through performing arts, using creativity to tackle inequalities and bring about social change. The funds raised through the Great North Run will help the Twisting Ducks further its reach and continue its work in creating a platform where the voices and stories of people with learning disabilities and autism can be heard and appreciated. Thank you Team Twisting Ducks!

Five dedicated supporters are set to lace up their running shoes for The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company in this year’s AJBell Great North Run on 8 September 2024. Collectively, they aim to raise over £1,500, with all funds directly supporting the charity’s performing arts groups and academies across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland. 60,000 determined and dedicated runners make the AJ Bell Great North Run the World’s biggest and best half marathon – famous for its warm North East welcome, unbeatable atmosphere and the millions raised for good causes. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation that works with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and effect social change through performing arts and issue-based theatre. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company empowers over 500 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic skills and to ensure the uniqueness and relevance of their art reaches more people. Among the runners is Sadie Cookson, who said: “I’m running for The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company - an amazing organization that provides accessible arts opportunities for people with learning disabilities and autistic people across Tyne and Wear and Northumberland.” Lisa, Trustee and Member of the core Twisting Ducks drama group, said: “I’m very grateful for everyone taking part in the Great North Run, going to so much effort to help our charity. It means so much to me and everyone in our charity. Your donations mean we can make sure we get more peoples voices heard in our work. Good luck from me and everyone at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company!” Meet Team Twisting Ducks Let's cheer on our fantastic team of runners as they take on the AJBell Great North Run and help make a difference! Visit their individual fundraising pages (click the links below) to follow their progress as they train and to make your donation.

Fresh Club Night is set to return for a fun-filled evening of music and dance at World Headquarters on Thursday 1st August 2024. Featuring DJs with learning disabilities and autistic DJs from The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy, this month's event is set to be extra special with guest performances from DJs at The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company joining the lineup. From rock and punk, to pop sing-along classics, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this fun-filled night of music and dancing. “FRESH and the Twisting Ducks are a great organisation. It's what's given me my start in DJing which is something I've wanted to do for years.” - DJ Scott Dude, part of DJ Academy at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company. “We’re looking forward to combining forces and making this a night to remember. Get ready to dance your socks off.” - DJ Geordie, part of Kroc Krew at The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company. “It’ll be great for both groups to share our DJ skills and knowledge, and see the different styles come together.” - DJ Gingerbeard, part of Kroc Krew at The Lawnmowers Independent Theatre Company. What people like most about Fresh Club Night: “It’s a great night. It’s full of fun, full of music, full of dancing, full of good times.” “I like the atmosphere and the music. It gets everyone dancing.” “I like the music variety, I like a lot of rock, punk, metal, grunge and psychedelia.” “Having a good time and dancing, the disco ball and the lights.” “To show off my DJ-ing to my friends and family." "I like getting to meet new people.” “It’s a blast, always a blast.” EVENT DETAILS Fresh Club Night Thursday, 1st August 2024, 6.30pm - 10.30pm World Headquarters, Curtis Mayfield House, Carliol Square, East, Newcastle NE1 6UF £6.00 per person (Carers get in free), available on the door For people aged 18 years and over Interested in joining The Twisting Ducks DJ Academy? Find out more here

On Wednesday 24th July, Kris graduated from NHS Choices College following a 5 month internship with The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company. During his internship, Kris worked with staff and members, contributing to performances and events across The Twisting Ducks Performing Arts Academies and programmes. To express their gratitude to Kris, members of our performing arts academies and programmes, alongside staff at The Twisting Ducks, created a video sharing their memories, highlights and thanks for all of Kris's hard work. The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company facilitated this internship in partnership with NHS Choices College, who promote employment opportunities for Interns with learning difficulties/ disabilities and/ or Autism through a supported internship course. Jay Hare, SEO at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "Thank you so much for all of your hard work. You've really excelled with The Twisting Ducks and a lot of our members have told us how wonderful it has been to have a peer supporter who is friendly, supportive and has made a big difference to people on our programmes. Well done from all of us at The Twisting Ducks!" Rose Fredson, Drama worker at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: "Congratulations Kris on your Graduation! I've loved working as a team with you these last few months. I'm so happy that you've found The Twisting Ducks and I'm so excited for all of the wonderful things that are coming your way! Thank you for sharing your talent with us!"

The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company took part in Washington 60 Celebration Day, a day of music, performances and family activities to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Washington New Town. The festival-style celebration day took place on Saturday 20 July 2024 at the Northern Area Playing Fields from midday until 9pm. Members of The Twisting Ducks Sunderland group, based at Arts Centre Washington, performed an excerpt from their recent show My Washington, My Sunderland at 1.45pm on Stage 2. Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, this cabaret-style performance explores Sunderland and Washington through song, dance and drama. In preparation for the performance, the group came together to design their own t-shirts, featuring their own slogan ‘You think I am behind? Look who’s in front!” Local acts and community groups including theatre, spoken word and acoustic music performed on Stage 2 throughout the day, and an exhibitor tent housed Washington-based organisations telling the story of Washington past and present. The Main Stage line up was headlined by Washington's own Martin Stephenson and the Daintees, with further performances from Smoove and Turrell and The Revolutionaires. The Twisting Ducks Sunderland Platform has been supported by an award from Postcode Neighbourhood Trust, a grant-giving charity funded entirely by players of People’s Postcode Lottery, as well as support from Washington Heritage Partnership and Sunderland Culture. Jan Willem van den Bosch, Lead facilitator and project manager at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company said: “We were delighted to be invited to perform at Washington 60 Celebration Day. Our recent show, My Washington My Sunderland, is all about what it means to call Washington and Sunderland home, so we were excited to present an excerpt of the show as part of Washington’s 60th birthday celebrations.” Washington 60 Celebration Day The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company: 1.45pm on Stage 2 Address: Northern Area Playing Fields, Stephenson Rd, Washington NE37 3HR More information: www.mysunderland.co.uk/article/31699/Washington-60-Celebration-Day Find out more about out how to join our groups and academies

On Tuesday 18th June, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company presented an afternoon of performances at The Customs House for Learning Disability week to an audience including the Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Fay Cunningham, and the North East Dolly Parton, Andrea Pattison. The group presented Dolly’s Boot’s , a new play created and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists from the Twisting Ducks’ Performing Arts Academy based at The Customs House. Set against a backdrop of Dolly Parton's timeless classics as well as other sing-along favourites, the play followed the heartwarming tale of ‘Dolly’ and her triumph over adversity to follow her dreams to perform on stage. The group were delighted to perform for VIPs including the North East Dolly Parton, Andrea Pattison, who is performing in ‘The Dolly Parton Story’ at The Customs House on Friday 21st June, as well as the Mayor of South Tyneside, Cllr Fay Cunningham. In addition, audiences enjoyed a performance by The Twist, a band composed of musicians with learning disabilities and autistic musicians from The Twisting Ducks Band Academy. The performed a set list of popular covers as well as original material exploring their own lived experience. Learning Disability Week is dedicated to ensuring people with learning disabilities are seen, heard, and valued. This year, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company is hosting a series of events across South Tyneside and Newcastle upon Tyne, visit https://www.thetwistingducks.co.uk/events for more information. Lisa, who plays Dolly in Dolly’s Boots said: “We are a cast of people with learning disabilities and just like Dolly we have got each other and have overcome challenges to perform this amazing show.” Jay Hare, CEO of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said, “At The Twisting Ducks Theatre company we are passionate about ensuring everyone has the chance to be seen, heard, and valued. For Learning Disability Week, our members present a programme of performances and events that celebrates the unique stories and lived experience of people with learning disabilities and autistic people."

Written and performed by artists with learning disabilities and autistic artists, ‘Employment Roulette’ is the latest play by The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company to be presented at Live Theatre, Newcastle Quayside on Saturday 4th May 2024. The play follows the journey of three job candidates with learning disabilities and autism as they navigate searching for a job. However, what begins as a typical job interview transforms into a dystopian game-show-style contest. Audiences will see candidates compete in weird and wonderful rounds, with the ultimate prize being a job offer. Humorous, entertaining and thought-provoking, the play explores the unnecessary employment barriers faced by people with learning disabilities and autistic people, sparking broader discussions about how society can create a more equitable environment for all job seekers. The performers, who meet weekly at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, are part of The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, a charitable incorporated organisation that works with people with learning disabilities and autistic people to tackle inequalities and effect social change through performing arts. Working across Tyne & Wear and Northumberland, The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company supports over 500 people a year to share their stories, develop their artistic skills and to ensure the uniqueness and relevance of their art reaches more people. Employment Roulette is on at Live Theatre, Quayside, Newcastle upon Tyne on Saturday 4th May 2024 at 4pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are £10 and available from: live.org.uk Cat Catizone, Drama facilitator at The Twisting Ducks Theatre Company, said: “Employment Roulette is unique and thought-provoking. It’s very funny but also poignant, and audiences will gain insight into the unnecessary barriers to employment encountered by people with learning disabilities and autistic people. We hope the show will spark conversations about inclusivity, accessibility, and the need for changes in how employers assess candidates.” Marc, performer in Employment Roulette , said: “Our play Employment Roulette is about people with learning disabilities finding it hard to get a job, because of all the barriers out there. Some employers might not want to take people on, a lot of people need support and don't always know where to get it. I do paid work delivering training for the Twisting Ducks and it makes me feel confident. I think more people should have the opportunity to work"