Stories - Blue Apple

NHS Breaking Barriers Learning Disability conference

Pip Armitage — Thu, 26 Mar 2026 10:50:13 +0000

Here are some showcase highlights from Blue Apple Theatre performers presenting at the NHS Breaking Barriers Learning Disability conference at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust Basingstoke and North Hampshire Hospital on Friday 20 March 2026. The conference remit was "Improving our care of people with additional needs and disabilities". Feedback included: "fantastic, really thought provoking and funny at the same time" and "it’s fair to say that you were most people’s favourite session" and "I will definitely be coming along to the shows". Special thanks to Jasmine Dace for taking photos.

Loneliness makes you vulnerable

Pip Armitage — Wed, 25 Mar 2026 15:35:00 +0000

Tommy Jessop speaks at the United Nations for World Down Syndrome Day 2026

Many people know Tommy Jessop as an acclaimed actor and campaigner, but to us he is also something much closer to home: Blue Apple’s founding member, a long-time friend, and a much‑loved part of our weekly groups. His humour, warmth and generosity are constants in our singing sessions - the same qualities that shine through in everything he does on and off stage.

This month, Tommy was invited by Down Syndrome International to speak at the World Down Syndrome Day 2026 conference at the United Nations in New York. In a short video message recorded for the event, he reflects on this year’s theme, “Loneliness makes you vulnerable,” and shares why theatre can be a powerful way to build real, lasting friendships.

Tommy’s insights come from lived experience. Through Blue Apple’s Living Without Fear programme, he has explored what safety, belonging and confidence mean for people who are too often overlooked. His professional screen work has taken these themes even further. In the BBC’s Line of Duty, his character faced mate crime, exploitation and wrongful accusation - a storyline that sparked national conversation. Tommy used that moment to speak across television, radio and print about recognising when something isn’t right and supporting people to stay safe.

His latest short film, Birdhouse, continues this vital advocacy.

At the UN, Tommy spoke about something we see every week in our own workshops: how taking part in theatre gives people a place where friendships grow, creativity thrives and every voice is valued. It is fun. It is safe. And it can genuinely change lives.

He ended with an important reminder: everyone needs friends - and creating stronger, more authentic roles for people with learning disabilities in film and television is one way to help reshape public understanding for the better.

We invite you to take a moment to watch Tommy’s message. It is thoughtful, rooted in real experience, and full of the spirit and sincerity for which he is so admired.

Watch the video here: https://youtu.be/D-aWmNrrHyg

We reached the target!

Pip Armitage — Fri, 20 Mar 2026 11:24:57 +0000

Thank you

Blue Apple Theatre's Centre Stage campaign for Hampshire's first full-day performing arts foundation course for adults with a learning disability and / or autism has reached its target for match funding. A huge thank you to all donors and to our champion Arts Council England who will provide match funding through Big Give Arts for Impact. Now that we have met our match target any new donations will still support the campaign but will not be doubled by our champion.

Campaign nears finish line!

Pip Armitage — Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:29:30 +0000

Centre Stage fundraising hits 97% - just £545 from full funding.

Kind supporters have raised £3,205 so far through Arts for Impact - that's 97% of our £3,750 target. We're now just £545 from securing the full Arts Council England match of £3,750 and reaching our £7,500 total goal.

Centre Stage will be Hampshire's first full-day performing arts foundation course for adults with a learning disability and/or autism. Once funded, it will open Blue Apple's world to more people than ever before - new communities, new participants, new stories waiting to be told. Ongoing feedback will help ensure the future of Centre Stage is guided by those at its heart.

Every extra pound helps secure the full match and extend the pilot - there's no such thing as a gift that's too late or too small.

Arts for Impact match funding ends at midday on Monday 24 March.

If you've already donated, thank you so much. Could you help spread the word by sharing with a friend?

👉 Donate or share before midday, 24 March:
https://bit.ly/BlueAppleCentreStage

Thank you for helping bring Centre Stage to life.

Click here to donate

Exploring storytelling through puppetry

Pip Armitage — Thu, 05 Feb 2026 11:22:23 +0000

Exploring storytelling through puppetry: our Winchester Stage Company develops Treasure Island

Introducing new creative techniques

This week, Blue Apple Theatre’s Winchester Stage Company continued its development work for the upcoming June production of Treasure Island with a rehearsal focused on shadow and tabletop puppetry. The aim was to explore how simple materials, light and movement can shape the tone and atmosphere of a scene.

Everyday objects as characters and settings

Each company member brought one or two everyday objects from home. Once placed on the rehearsal table or held in front of a light source, these familiar items became expressive characters, locations and abstract symbols. This approach encouraged actors to think creatively and experiment with how objects can contribute to storytelling.

Crafting boats and creating shadows

One highlight of the session was a small tabletop “boat” constructed from everyday materials, alongside several resin boats handcrafted by one of our actors. When illuminated, these objects created striking shadow images that added depth and mood to the scene. This exercise demonstrated how resourceful theatre-making can grow from the simplest materials.

Casting shadows with objects brought in from home during our Monday evening session

Building skills through collaborative play

These practical sessions play an important role in the company’s rehearsal process. By offering space to test ideas and explore new techniques, they help actors build skills, develop confidence and work collaboratively as an ensemble. The creativity and abstract thinking shown throughout the session are feeding directly into the evolving vision for *Treasure Island*.

Looking ahead

We look forward to sharing further updates as the production continues to take shape and as the company’s ideas develop through ongoing experimentation.

Blue Apple Theatre commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day 2026

Pip Armitage — Mon, 26 Jan 2026 11:14:48 +0000

Blue Apple Theatre commemorates Holocaust Memorial Day 2026

On 27 January, Blue Apple Theatre joins people across the UK and around the world in marking Holocaust Memorial Day.

We remember the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, and the millions more persecuted and killed under Nazi rule.

We also remember the 250,000 intellectually disabled people murdered under Aktion T4 and related policies. Their stories are less widely known, but they remain an essential part of the collective memory of targeted persecution.

As part of our annual observance, to reflect on the day, we are sharing a short film created by Blue Apple Theatre in 2025. 🎥 Watch the film at: https://youtu.be/rcSqkOz0FK0

See our companion Easy Read document by clicking here.

Holocaust Memorial Day is a moment to learn, to reflect, and to challenge prejudice wherever it persists.

Find out more at hmd.org.uk.
#HolocaustMemorialDay #HMD2026 #LightTheDarkness #Disability #LearningDisability #IntellectualDisability #PerformingArts #Theatre

"A well-deserved standing ovation"

Pip Armitage — Wed, 21 Jan 2026 14:07:05 +0000

On Sunday 18th January 2026, at Thornden Hall in Chandlers Ford, Blue Apple Theatre showcased music, dance and acting from performers around Hampshire.

Reviews for the “For One Night Only 2026!” are all in and they are glowing.

Southern Arts Reviews concluded with “A well-deserved standing ovation greeted all the performers at the close of what had been a supremely entertaining two hours.”
Read more here: Review – For One Night Only - Southern Arts Reviews

Hampshire Chronicle said: “Also in attendance at the special showcase was the Mayor of Winchester, Cllr Sudhakar Achwal, who expressed his delight. He said: "These performers are all very talented and I am very happy to be here to watch them. Blue Apple do fantastic work with these guys, and I have heard great things about the group that gathers at the University.”

Elaine Chapman at Theatre and Arts Reviews said: “One thing that never fails to amaze me is watching the familiar actors thrive year after year and as their confidence grows their strength in character roles grows too. This year the theme was adventures. Now who doesn’t like an adventure of some sort whether it’s a long-distance trip, a visit to watch a new film or simply trying a new food or drink? Life is full of them.”

We hope you enjoy a selection of photos below. Credit: Mike Hall.

Inclusion and understanding our past

Pip Armitage — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:58:21 +0000

UK Disability History Month

UK Disability History Month (UKDHM) is an annual event that highlights the history and achievements of disabled people, especially those who have fought for equality and human rights. The month-long campaign encourages schools, workplaces, and communities to engage in conversations about disability rights, accessibility, and representation. It also serves as an opportunity to reflect on the progress made for disability rights and to act on what we can do to support disability equality in the present.

Disability, Life and Death

The theme for UK Disability History Month 2025 is "Disability, Life and Death," inviting us to explore how society values the lives of disabled people and to renew our commitment to creating a more accessible, inclusive world for all.

The key purpose of the month is to raise awareness of the unequal position of disabled people in society and to advocate disability equality; to develop an understanding of the historical roots of this inequality; to highlight the significance of disabled people’s struggles for equality and inclusion and the ‘social model’ of disability; to publicise and argue for the implementation of the United Nations Convention of the Rights of People with Disabilities and the Equalities Act (2010).

Dr Nazlin Bhimani: Eugenics and the Legacy of the Exclusion of the Disabled in British Education

A short documentary marking 80 years from the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau. While the Holocaust is remembered rightly as an act of genocide against Europe’s Jewish population, the Nazis also sent close to 250,000 people with disabilities to their deaths.

A black triangle with a yellow circle containing the words “UK Disability History Month” forms the logo for UK Disability History Month

Blue Apple Singers at Minstead Trust Winter Fayre

Pip Armitage — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 14:47:55 +0000

Minstead Trust hosted a Winter Craft Fayre on Thursday 4 December at Minstead Lodge.

It was a wonderful opportunity to attend a wreath making workshop, meet talented local makers, and discover unique, handcrafted gifts.

Hundreds of visitors warmed up with hot drinks, cakes, mince pies, and plenty of festive cheer while supporting the Minstead makers. In the afternoon the Blue Apple singers entertained everyone with a medley of festive favourites. Click the video below to enjoy some snippets from the day. They have already been rebooked for next year. Make sure to come along and enjoy the event in 2026.

Blue Apple Theatre brings inclusive performance to China

Pip Armitage — Fri, 17 Oct 2025 11:33:12 +0000

Blue Apple Theatre has just returned from an extraordinary international collaboration in Beijing, where Artistic Director Richard Conlon co-directed an inclusive adaptation of Journey to the West with Chinese partner Intellectual Heart Theatre Company.

The production, staged at the Luminous Festival in China’s 798 Art District, featured eight young adult performers with learning disabilities and autism. It marked the first inclusive theatre project of its kind in China, supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant.

“I’m really pleased that the British Council is able to support this project through our long-running Connections Through Culture grant programme. We know that supporting artistic exchange between the UK and China has many benefits and the partnerships we have supported in the past have led to new co-productions, collaborative projects, and many examples of shared learning and professional development – strengthening cultural relations between the UK and China. I look forward to seeing how the project develops.”

— Dom Hastings, Head of Arts at British Council China

Richard spent ten days in Beijing working closely with the cast and co-director Chen Ran, blending UK and Chinese approaches to inclusive performance. The result was a moving, visually rich retelling of the classic Chinese tale, performed at the striking 798CUBE venue.

Ozan Revi, the Deputy Director of the British Council for China and Minister Counsellor for Culture and Education at the British Embassy spoke at the opening night’s performance.

“It is an honour to join you at the debut performance of “Journey to the West” by the Intellectual Heart Theatre Company. This unique adaptation of a classic masterpiece bring together the Chinese performers from the Intellectual Heart Theatre Company, Richard Conlon, Artistic Director of the UK’s renowned Blue Apple Theatre, and Chinese director Chen Ran. This project, supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant, reflects our commitment to international collaboration and the disability arts sector.

As the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations, the British Council is dedicated to building enduring relationships across different cultures. Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of all our work – whether in arts, society, education, teaching English or offering exams. Our initiatives foster connections that enrich experiences and promote more inclusive societies.

At the British Council, we believe in the power of arts and culture to connect people, inspire change, and creative inclusive societies. This is why we are deeply committed to supporting disability arts, a vital component of our global program, and we are proud to collaborate with inspiring artists and institutions from both the UK and China.

I want to express my gratitude to everyone who has made this collaboration possible:

- The Beijing Body On&On Cultural Exchange Centre, led by Dew GE and her team
- 798 CUBE who co-organise the events
- Richard Conlon and Blue Apple Theatre, who have travelled all the way from the UK
- The Beijing Rong Ai Rong Le Family Support Centre for Persons with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities
- Geng Foundation
- Chinese director Chen Ran
- And of course, the talented performers from the Intellectual Heart Theatre Company

On behalf of the British Council, please accept my heartfelt thanks.”

— Ozan Revi, the Deputy Director of the British Council for China and Minister Counsellor for Culture and Education at the British Embassy

Ozan Revi, the Deputy Director of the British Council China and Minister Counsellor for Culture and Education at the British Embassy.

Below are photos from rehearsals. Credit: Li Xiaoaco.

““This project underlines what a jewel Winchester and Hampshire have in Blue Apple Theatre. While it used to feel like a local good news story it is increasingly, internationally, important. Our cast have had a chance to partner with China from a distance over recent years and when I arrived, I was able to pass on my own casts hints tips and encouragement for the first steps into performance.

It feels like the UK is perhaps twenty years ahead when it comes to having this conversation about inclusion and visibility in the arts. Since Blue Apple’s inception, it has grown to be not just a main-stage staple of Winchester’s cultural calendar, but a provider of outreach work for around 150 regular participants across (and beyond) Hampshire.

Of course, our company is about storytelling and entertainment, but it has always had a foot in the camps of civil rights and social justice – and our Chinese partners were keen to hear about that part of our journey.””

— Richard Conlon, Artistic Director of Blue Apple Theatre

The project was inspired by community research in Beijing, which identified Journey to the West as a story with deep cultural resonance. For many of the performers, it was their first time on stage-an experience that proved both empowering and transformative.
This international partnership highlights Blue Apple’s commitment to inclusive arts and its growing role in global conversations around accessibility and creativity.

Below are photos from the first performance. More images from the event can be seen via this link: https://www.pailixiang.com/album_ia10243061475.html

A video recording of the second performance is on our YouTube channel (subtitles not yet available).

Blue Apple on That's TV

Pip Armitage — Wed, 15 Oct 2025 13:17:33 +0000

With a big birthday in the bag (Blue Apple Theatre is now 20 years old), Blue Apple was invited to talk about our history in a TV interview with our Associate Director Rebecca Godden that airs this afternoon from 5.45pm on Channel 7 on Freeview. There is also an article in Hampshire Chronicle here: Theatre company celebrates 20 years of transforming people's lives

World Mental Health Day: Championing access to creative services for mental wellbeing

Pip Armitage — Thu, 09 Oct 2025 14:44:12 +0000

Every year on 10 October, World Mental Health Day reminds us of the importance of good mental health and the need to prioritise and invest in services that support it. This year’s theme - 'Access to Services' - highlights the urgent need for inclusive, accessible support, especially in times of global instability.

At Blue Apple Theatre, we believe that creative engagement is a vital pathway to mental wellbeing. Our inclusive performing arts programmes in Hampshire empower people with learning disabilities to build confidence, express themselves, and connect with others.

Research continues to affirm the mental health benefits of drama and theatre. A 2023 wellbeing report commissioned by Blue Apple and authored by Dr Rachel Harrison (University of Winchester) found that participants experienced improved emotional wellbeing, greater self-confidence, and enhanced communication skills. Relationships formed through Blue Apple were identified as the most valued aspect of participation.

Another earlier study led by Michelle Collard (University of Kent) revealed a 40% increase in social network size among Blue Apple participants, with reductions in social isolation and improved independence. One parent shared: "Our son wouldn’t leave home for two weeks until he started Blue Apple. Blue Apple came into our lives at a time when we really needed it."

As we mark World Mental Health Day, we call on funders, policymakers, and communities to recognise the role of inclusive arts in mental health - and to ensure that everyone has access to services that support their wellbeing.

#WorldMentalHealthDay #AccessToServices #BlueAppleTheatre

Listen back to our interview with BBC Radio Solent

Pip Armitage — Wed, 08 Oct 2025 10:43:42 +0000

Blue Apple Theatre's Artistic Director Richard Conlon was interviewed on BBC Radio Solent on Thursday 2 October, chatting to Rick Jackson on BBC Radio Solent about our Mayflower youth group. He was joined by Patrick Sullivan, Head of Participation at Mayflower Theatre and Mayflower Studios. The interview is available on BBC Radio Solent’s Make a Difference page, here - https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p086t6f6

Blue Apple Youth Theatre for young people aged 15-21 years old with learning disabilities started their Autumn term sessions on Friday at Mayflower Studios in Southampton.

Autumn Term 2025 Fridays 5pm – 6:30pm 3rd October to 12 December.

See www.mayflower.org.uk/whats-on/blue-apple-youth-theatre

Volunteer vacancy in Ringwood

Pip Armitage — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 15:42:31 +0000

Volunteer with Blue Apple in Ringwood: no drama experience needed – just enthusiasm, patience, and a belief in equal opportunities.

We’re looking for a someone to support our facilitator and to assist our performers as they rehearse, build confidence, and prepare for their next stage performance in our vibrant drama group for adults with learning disabilities in Ringwood (called Branching Out).

When: Tuesdays, 5.45–7.15pm

Where: Forest Forge Theatre, First Floor, Pintail House, Duck Island Lane, Ringwood, BH24 3AA

You’ll help with small group rehearsals, join in activities, and support performers with learning lines and stage positioning.

A DBS check is required (we can help with that).

To find out more please phone 01962 827352 or email admin@blueappletheatre.com

Or please forward this it to someone who may be interested!

Blue Apple Theatre collaborates in China to create an inclusive theatre piece

Pip Armitage — Thu, 18 Sep 2025 15:12:55 +0000

An inclusive adaptation of Journey to the West

Blue Apple Theatre’s artistic director Richard Conlon is currently in Beijing, working with Intellectual Heart Theatre Company on a bold new adaptation of the Chinese literary classic Journey to the West — known to many UK audiences through the cult TV series Monkey. Over ten days, Richard will collaborate with Chinese director Chen Ran and eight young adult performers with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to co-create a new inclusive theatre piece. This will be performed in an architecturally iconic contemporary exhibition space over two days.

This international rehearsal residency is part of the Luminous Festival — China’s first non-profit inclusive arts festival — and is supported by the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant. The performers, including individuals with autism, Asperger’s syndrome and Down syndrome, are using theatre as a powerful tool for self-expression and cultural exchange.

The choice of Journey to the West was guided by community research conducted by Rongai Rongle Family Support Centre, where it emerged as the most beloved Chinese story, and by Richard Conlon’s appreciation of Chinese culture.

This collaboration of Blue Apple Theatre in the UK and Beijing’s Body On&On Cultural Exchange Centre will create China's first inclusive performing arts project for individuals with learning disabilities. Through workshops and performances, the initiative empowers young people with intellectual disabilities in Beijing while deepening UK-China knowledge exchange in accessible theatre.

Dom Hastings, the British Council China’s Head of Arts, emphasised the project’s importance. “I’m really pleased that the British Council is able to support this project through our long-running Connections Through Culture grant programme. We know that supporting artistic exchange between the UK and China has many benefits and the partnerships we have supported in the past have led to new co-productions, collaborative projects, and many examples of shared learning and professional development – strengthening cultural relations between the UK and China. I look forward to seeing how the project develops.” he explained.

📅 Performance dates:
Friday 26 September 2025, 19:30
Saturday 27 September 2025, 19:30
📍 Venue: 798CUBE, Beijing

📸 This photo shows the core creative team currently in rehearsals in Beijing:
Back row (L–R): Vasin.C (Styling Design), Ge Huichao (Founder of Luminous Festival and Body On&On), Richard Conlon (Co-Director; Artistic Director of Blue Apple Theatre)
Front row (L–R): Cheng Zhe (Project Coordinator of the 7th Luminous Festival | Common Good), Chen Ran (Co-Director; Artist and Theatre Maker)

About Luminous Festival and Body On&On

The Luminous Festival, initiated by Body On&On in 2019, is China's first non-profit Inclusive Arts Festival. Based on the ideas of "sheng sheng bu xi"(“Life grows on without end”) and "min bao wu yu" (“Everyone that’s human is my friend, everything that’s in nature is my kind”), the Luminous Festival is dedicated to promoting accessibility and innovation in contemporary culture and art, to breaking social prejudice and cultural barriers, and to an equal and inclusive world.

Intellectual Heart Theatre Company is supported by with the British Council’s Connections Through Culture grant programme and aims to empower young people with intellectual disabilities in Beijing while deepening UK-China knowledge exchange in accessible theatre.

Connections Through Culture: Exploring new creative collaborations with China

The British Council is the UK’s international organisation for cultural relations and educational opportunities. They foster connections, understanding, and trust between the UK and countries worldwide through their work in arts and culture, education, and the English language.

One of the key programmes, Connections Through Culture supports artists and cultural organisations in developing new collaborations with partners across Asia-Pacific, including China. This initiative enables creatives to explore fresh ideas, expand their international networks, and co-develop innovative projects that reflect global conversations in the arts and creative industries. Through these projects, UK artists and organisations work closely with their Chinese counterparts to exchange ideas, share artistic approaches, and create work that responds to pressing global challenges.

About the venue, 798CUBE

798CUBE Art Museum is a contemporary exhibition space located in Beijing’s renowned 798 Art District. Designed by Studio Zhu-Pei and completed in 2020, the museum is a renovation project that blends industrial heritage with modern architectural forms. It features cast-in-place concrete cubes arranged around a central courtyard, reflecting the geometric and material language of the district’s former factory buildings. The venue is adjacent to other major cultural institutions like the Pace Art Museum and the Minsheng Museum of Modern Art, and serves as a hub for innovative art exhibitions, performances, and cultural exchange.

About Journey to the West

Journey to the West is one of the Four Great Classical Novels of Chinese literature, written in the 16th century by Ming dynasty scholar Wu Cheng’en. It fictionalises the real-life 7th-century pilgrimage of the Buddhist monk Xuánzàng (known in the novel as Tripitaka or Tang Sanzang), who travelled to India to retrieve sacred scriptures.

The story blends history, mythology, and folklore, following Tripitaka and his three supernatural companions — Sun Wukong (the Monkey King), Zhu Bajie (Pigsy), and Sha Wujing (Sandy) — as they face 81 trials on their journey. Each character symbolises different human traits and spiritual challenges, making the novel a rich allegory for the path to enlightenment.

Known for its humour, adventure, and moral depth, Journey to the West explores themes of cooperation, perseverance, and spiritual growth. It has inspired countless adaptations, including the popular UK TV series Monkey, and remains a cornerstone of East Asian culture.[1]

References

[1] Journey to the West: Origin Story, Themes & Symbolism of the Famed ...

Image attribution:

A Modern Journey to the West by Tsukioka Yoshitoshi (1839–1892)

Created in 1864, this work is in the public domain in its country of origin and in countries where the copyright term is the author’s life plus 70 years or fewer.

United States public domain tag: This image is also in the public domain in the United States because it was published before January 1, 1929.

Source: Wikimedia Commons

Licence: Public domain — free to use with no restrictions.

This video is a recording of an inclusive theatre performance that took place at 19:30 on Saturday 27 September 2025 in 798CUBE, Beijing, China.

Invitation to provide paid lived experience to NHS Digital Flag project

Pip Armitage — Mon, 08 Sep 2025 10:03:21 +0000

The Reasonable Adjustment Digital Flag team at NHS England are looking for some people with lived experience to help create resources, in different formats, review and develop new case studies and be involved with the National communications cascade.

Supporting with this work is paid at £75 for half a day’s work and £150 for a full day. If you are interested or would like more information, then please email: england.radfproject@nhs.net.

The reasonable adjustment digital flag is a new flagging system that will work across different services including GPs, hospitals, dentists, specialist nursing and social work. It means staff will be able to see the reasonable adjustments people need as soon as they pull up a patient record.

The Reasonable Adjustment Flag is a national record that shows a person needs accommodations and may include details about their impairments and necessary adjustments.

The flag sits within the national learning disability and autism programme, but the flag is not just for this group. They need more representation from people particularly with the following different experiences:

Cancer
Dementia
Physical disabilities
Neurological disorders including Cerebral palsy
Profound and multiple learning disability
Children and young people with a disability
Long stay hospitals
Hearing impairment
Ethnicity

If you are someone who has lived experience of one or more of these and can represent the views of others with that experience, please do get in contact via england.radfproject@nhs.net by the 15th of September.

Summer picnic brings groups together

Pip Armitage — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 08:37:46 +0000

Blue Apple Summer Picnic 2025

Participants and families came together at Lakeside Park in Eastleigh on Sunday 10 August to enjoy a picnic, games and have fun socialising. This annual event is open to all participants and their families from the groups that Blue Apple now runs across Hampshire. We had a lovely time together, playing dominoes, boules, and badminton. Some enjoyed dancing, others simply chatting, or eating, or walking round the lake. Particularly popular were the home-made onion pakora that one very kind parent brought to share. Everyone seemed to have a fun time at the picnic and we are looking forward to even more people attending next year.

We hope you enjoy looking at the photos below.

Blue Apple Singers at Eastleigh Mela 2025

Pip Armitage — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:54:03 +0000

On Sunday 20 July the Blue Apple Singers entertained the crowds at Eastleigh Mela, hosted by The Asian Welfare and Cultural Association. They were a big hit with audiences who watched in pouring rain for our first set and then in glorious sunshine for our second set. Here is a short selection of clips from the day. Maybe you'll be singing along by the end ....

Round up of end of summer group sharings

Pip Armitage — Tue, 05 Aug 2025 15:40:57 +0000

Scarf Drama Club

Scarf Drama Club meets in New Milton at Ashley Junior School, Normans Way, New Milton, BH25 5FN during term time on Mondays 5.30 pm to 7 pm. The session offers acting, singing and dancing skills for young people with special needs from age 10 up to and including 25 years. Please note that all participants must be or become members of Scarf. Call/text 07874 221249.

The Scarf end of term sharing with families.

Branching Out

Our Forest Forge Branching Out group in Ringwood had great fun showcasing their summer term progress with to a studio audience. They chose The Gruffalo as their theme and explored rhyming through physical and vocal characterisation.

Branching Out meets in Ringwood during term time on Tuesdays 5.45 pm to 7.15 pm at Forest Forge Theatre, First Floor, Pintail House, Duck Island Lane, Ringwood BH24 3AA. Email admin@blueappletheatre.com to find out more and book a taster session.

The Branching Out end of term sharing with families.

Mayflower Blue Apple Youth Theatre

Photos from the end of term summer sharing of Mayflower Participation's Blue Apple Youth Theatre for young people aged 15-21 with learning disabilities. The group called it 'The great fish and chip scandal'. Lots of fun! The Autumn restarts on Friday 3rd October – 10 sessions. Booking will be available soon. Keep an eye on the Mayflower website here: What's On - Shows and Events | Mayflower

The Mayflower end of term sharing with families.

Chestnut’s moment in the spotlight

Pip Armitage — Tue, 22 Jul 2025 12:08:04 +0000

A show-stopping summer finale from Chestnut Theatre group

Last Thursday, Chestnut—Blue Apple’s adult performing arts group in Southampton—delighted an audience of friends and family with their end of summer performance inspired by The Greatest Showman. The evening was a joyful celebration of talent, teamwork and theatrical flair, showcasing the group’s hard work and creativity over the term.

The performance marked a proud moment for participants, who have been building their skills in acting, dance and singing through weekly sessions. The energy and enthusiasm in the hall were infectious, and the response from the audience was full of warmth and applause.

Click below to watch a reel of photos from the evening.

Our Chestnut Theatre group meets every Thursday from 6.30 to 8.30 pm at All Saints Church, Sedbergh Road, Southampton SO16 9HJ. If you're interested in joining a welcoming group that works towards local shows throughout the year, come along and give it a try! To book a free taster session please contact Elisabeth Yeats-Brown via email to admin@blueappletheatre.com