Members of East Kent Mencap put on a high-energy musical extravaganza show at Holy Trinity Church, Margate on Thursday (July 27).
The audience was taken on an entertaining cruise show across Europe and Africa, with performances from the charity’s drama group, based at Ramsgate Hub, who are all people with a learning disability.
There was trouble ahead for the joyful cruise liner performers, with beastly pirates stealing precious jewels and outfits. Luckily, Melanie Marble was on board, and with the help of side-kick Kourellias, the duo detectives solved the crime.
The cast was thrilled to perform for more than 100 people made up of supportive family and friends and the Mayor of Margate, Councillor Rob Yates, and Mayoress Iris Johnston.
Cllr Yates said: “It was incredible to see the passion, energy, and excitement from everyone on the stage today. It was a brilliant show, with musical instruments, singing, dancing, and fun audience participation; it had everything.
“Well done to all those involved and the amazing work from East Kent Mencap to organise this show. Keep it going as this is what Margate is about; which is expressing yourself, showing your love, and creativity.”
East Kent Mencap Senior Support Worker and show organiser, Maria Kourellias said: “After 4 years of working on the show, with delays due to COVID, it was definitely worth the wait! Seeing the performers develop and grow, learning their lines and dance routines, and managing multiple costume changes was inspiring. To come out here and for everyone to do such an incredible job was overwhelming. It’s been an emotional day.”
Performer Lucy said: “It was awesome. I loved being in the show.”
Shelia Stone, Lucy’s mum, said: “I think the show was absolutely fabulous. It was so well organised; a huge amount of work must have gone into it. I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.”
The show was a mixed media production, featuring singing, dancing, videos, and audience participation; it was a fully accessible and inclusive show.
All proceeds from the ticket sales and raffle went directly to cover the cost of the show. If you would like to know more about the work of East Kent Mencap, please visit www.eastkentmencap.co.uk.