OMNIARTS

In November, members of OmniArts Performing School combined cosplay, drama and a joint love of Doctor Who together.

They brought a devised scene based around characters from the TV show Doctor Who to life, to give Radley, aged 8, an extra special treat at his birthday party.

Radley is a member of the sensory dance group run by Becki Short – Director of OmniArts Performing School – at Havant Leisure Centre. After using some music from the show in the sensory dance lessons at his request, Becki showed John, Radley's dad, some photos of herself and Josh (an OmniArts member and volunteer for sensory dance) in cosplay as The Doctor and River Song. A little while later John asked if Becki and Josh would make an appearance at Radley's birthday party to make it extra special, as it was going to be his first “proper” party. After characters had been chosen, a short script was created and costumes were found, ready to help bring Radley's favourite characters to life.

“The performance went fantastically – I'm so proud of all the members, and so pleased that we were able to help make Radley's birthday that little extra special.” - John, Radley's dad has said that everyone really enjoyed the whole party, and the Doctor Who appearance was a fantastic addition, making Radley's first birthday party a massive hit with everyone there – kids and adults!

“Radley had his first birthday party with loads of kids attending. Everyone said it was amazing as there was a huge softplay area and a big party tea.

The Finale to the massive celebration of Radley's 8th birthday party was his dance class teachers, Becki and Josh, springing a big surprise on Radley by turning up with friends to perform a Doctor Who scene, which the 50 to 60 children and adults loved. What a great party which was made extra special, as many of the children have special needs.”

Although the Doctor Who appearance was a treat for Radley and all the other children at the party, it was also a great opportunity for the aspiring actors who performed to expand their experiences and learn more about different types of performances.

Lee Backhouse, aged 16 says: "Thanks to joining OmniArts, I've had some great performance opportunities and to do something like this, combining two things I love, Doctor Who and performing, as well as putting a smile of those kids’ faces was brilliant and I'd do it again in a heartbeat." Emily Joy, aged 18 says: “Since going to OmniArts, I have had amazing chance to do lots of different performing opportunities which I love as I feel passionate about drama. Being a character from Doctor Who and surprising Radley for his birthday was so much fun as I love Doctor Who and it gave me a chance to be a character I would never thought of being. I've always loved what OmniArts does as a school and felt that this was a lovely chance to use my hobby with the skills that I learned through OmniArts to give Radley a fantastic birthday surprise.”

Stuart Wheeldon, aged 25 says: "OmniArts has given me an outlet for my creative side, from improving my hair and makeup skills to giving me the opportunity to act at Radley's birthday party. Something I thought I would never have the chance to do, let alone the confidence to do it."

About OmniArts Performing School and Sensory Dance Classes. The sensory dance group that Radley and many of his friends attends runs at Havant Leisure Centre from 4.00 – 5.00 every Monday. They are currently working towards some performances for events at Christmas – including Becki's own charity event, The Mad Hatters Charity Tea Party, as well as their own big variety show for May 2015. New members are always welcome, and your first lesson is free!

Alongside the sensory dance class, OmniArts Performing School has a senior and junior group who meet at Havelock Community Centre in Southsea, and another group that meets at Deverell Hall in Waterlooville.

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