UP CLOSE: The Masque Theatre Company - The Blurton theatre group for people with disabilities
The Masque Theatre Company is an organisation based in Stoke-on-Trent for people with a disability who have a love and interest in all things theatrical.
Currently there are around 15 members and the group welcomes all, from those with downs syndrome to people on the autism spectrum and wheelchair users.
The group was set up around 20 years ago to provide an outlet for people with a disability who were interested in theatre.
They first began performing in Church halls before moving to Fenton Community Hall and eventually to the Mitchell Arts Centre in Hanley as their audiences grew.
The group hit financial difficulty in 2017, so Brian Milnes set it up as a financially independent charity - it was simply "too good to lose".
Now it is run by a team of dedicated volunteers, including a trained dance coach!
Brian said: "It provides people with an opportunity to socialise, it's mentally stimulating - it helps them socialise because they're a close-knit group.
"Everyone has a problem and their problems might not be the same but it helps them come together and that was partly the reason why I took this on, it would be such a shame to lose it - it's too valuable a group."
Brian also runs The Black Cock pub in Blythe Bridge and holds many fundraisers.
Last year, The Black Cock raised around £2000 for the theatre group.
The Masque Theatre group meet every Friday at the Oakwood Road Community Centre, Blurton, to rehearse for their summer play and Christmas pantomime.
Their 2021 Christmas panto was 'Mother Goose' and they performed to a sold-out Mitchell Arts Centre.
The group are currently in rehearsals for their summer play - The Circle of Life - which will be on stage at The Mitchell Arts Centre in June.
They are also currently on the hunt for new talent.
Any member must be able to provide their own supporting person if they need one and sessions cost £5.
If this is of interest to you check out their Facebook group.
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