It is commonplace for theatres to put on additional altered versions of their shows for deaf audiences but Cast has decided to do something bold when they made their annual pantomime inclusive for everyone – every show.
This is a step in the right direction according to Connor Bryson who plays Lemmi the Lemur in Aladdin.
Last year he played the Mouse in Cast’s Cinderella which was also an inclusive show but this year they have really stepped it up to make sure that there is more fluidity and integration between the deaf and able hearing actors.
Sign up to our daily newsletter
The i newsletter cut through the noise
Lemmi the Lemur is a huge part of the show.
Connor, aged 27 from Scotland, said: “Normally there would be a signer on stage who describes all the dialogue said by actors in the show – they are off to one side, separated.
“This show is different because Lemmi is a real character who is part of the show who just happens to sign.
“He has proper lines and his existence in the show is integral to the plot.
“Lemmi has a cheeky attitude and we really threw out the rule book when we came up with this concept.”
Alyce Liburd as Princess Jasmine and Lladel Bryant as Aladdin
Connor said that it’s important that sign language is not seen as something on the side but something normal that flows with the show, not an addition.
His character Lemmi has a 50/50 partnership with Aladdin who is of course the title character in the show.
“He helps Aladdin on his journey,” Connor said.
“Way too often deaf people are seen as needing to be the ones who need help.
Many of the cast members have been learning signs.
Read More
Read More
Dozens of households start fostering in Doncaster
“It was great to be able to take a role where I was leading.”
The team behind the show made other alterations to make sure Lemmi was a fun and enjoyable character who would be able to bridge the gap between hearing and deaf audience members.
“Because I’m a Lemur we decided I shouldn’t finger spell,” he said.
The show can be enjoyed by all people no matter their differences.
“Lemur’s have paws so I have flat gloves on and that changes how I sign.
“It actually makes the signing more clear and easier to read off the stage.”
The …….