AN AUDIENCE was transported back to the 1980s at a special performance from a group of people with learning difficulties.

Mill Lane Day Opportunities Drama group, based on Walney, staged its annual Christmas Production titled “Back to the Eighties”.

The service offers a wide variety of activities to adults with learning disabilities including those with increased physical dependency, mental health problems or challenging behaviour.

The performance is the culmination of a year’s worth of hard work that sees the group rehearsing on a weekly basis and even creating their own costumes and props.

The Drama Group, with the support of staff, chose what production they wanted to stage then worked together on how to bring their ideas to life. The theme, “Back to the Eighties”, led to those involved, choosing a song that was special to them from the era and performing to an audience comprised of family, friends and supporters of the service.

The production was narrated by Oliver Refuerzo assisted by his communication aid and DJ Steve Ralph kindly provided his services. Particular highlights were Andrew Penhallurick’s and Rosie White’s rendition of the Cliff Richard and Young Ones Classic, “Living Doll”, Alistair Lowe’s powerful performance of “Lady in Red” and the rousing chorus of Irene Cara’s Fame led by Ann Marie Hool.

Alistair Lowe said: “It was amazing. I loved the applause”.

Andrew Penhallurick said: “It was fantastic ”.

Claire Grove, whose daughter Ashleigh was involved in the performance, said: “It was a brilliant performance, I was impressed at how Ashleigh performed for the first time in front of an audience without becoming anxious”.

The show ended, with the ‘Musical Hands Signing Choir’, a collaboration between people who access Ulverston and Barrow say services who use Makaton signing.

Their performance of Wham’s Last Christmas had the audience on their feet clapping and singing along.

Staff members Selena Smith, Erica Gilmour and Helen Fowler said: “We are really proud of the effort the group has put into the show, roll on next year”