An emotional play, which challenges perceptions about disability and relationships, is coming to Kilmarnock next week.
'Downs with Love' cast Abigail Brydon as its leading lady and the 28-year-old actress with Down's Syndrome even lent some of her experiences to the show.
In the show, Abigail plays Beth; a happy, confident young woman who quickly takes a shine to Mark (Calum Barbour) a singer in the local pub. But Mark is already falling for Tracy (Rachel Still), Beth’s support worker.
Abigail said: “Parts of the show are based on my experience. It’s important to show people what it’s like for someone with a disability because the same things might happen to other people.”
Playwright Suzanne Lofthus added: “I want to challenge perceptions about disability. Can we accept a couple, one of whom has a disability and one does not, and if not, why does that make us uncomfortable?”
On this tour, Abigail is joined by Alexandra Bald, 18, who also has Down’s Syndrome, making her professional acting debut. She will understudy the role of Beth and take the lead in three performances.
Alexandra said: “We are representing people with Down’s in the play. It’s about what it’s like to live with Down’s. There are a lot of lines to learn but I’m really enjoying it.”
Cutting Edge Young Company was launched last August, for young learning disabled adults aged 18-25, following this year by Cutting Edge Youth Theatre, for learning-disabled young people aged 14-18.
There are also drop-in classes for adults and under-12s.
Suzanne Lofthus said: “Things are better than they used to be but there’s still a long way to go. We need to see more positive representation of learning disabled people on our stages and screens - but we can’t just talk about it, we have to do it.
“Abigail and Alexandra are out there doing just that, telling a real life story, challenging the audience about their perceptions and also showing the world what they can do.”
Downs With Love will be performed at CentreStage, Kilmarnock, on Friday, October 28 at 7.30pm. Tickets are on sale from the theatre on 01563 551505 or www.centrestagemt.org.uk/whats-on.
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