Dozens of youngsters have had the opportunity to enjoy an inspiring stage show in their own community thanks to funding from one of the region’s biggest social housing providers.
Children from Woodhouse Close Estate and King James I Academy in Bishop Auckland enjoyed the show, performed by Mad Alice Theatre Company, thanks to a grant from County Durham Housing Group.
‘She wins all the races’ – which draws upon the experience of actor Shelley O’ Brien – is described as a ‘heartening one-woman show’ celebrating the courage and resilience of one little girl.
Funding for the play came from County Durham Housing Group’s ‘group grant’ scheme, which provides funding for small projects in County Durham. Mad Alice Theatre Company was awarded £500 to help make the shows in Bishop Auckland possible.
Mad Alice’s Artistic Director, Shelley O’Brien, said: “We are extremely grateful for this funding as it helped us to purchase a projector – a vital piece of equipment needed for the show, where digital imagery is an integral part of the design.”
County Durham Housing Group Funding Officer, Damian Pearson, said: “This performance was a fun way of getting across a serious message about how we can all cope with adversity in our lives. Bringing a play like this into the community in Bishop Auckland will, I hope, prove inspiring and entertaining.
“It’s the kind of project that ‘group grant’ helps to make possible, where a small amount of funding can make all the difference.”
Any community organisation, non-profit making group, charity or school working in the areas served by County Durham Housing Group is eligible for the ‘group grant’ scheme.
Full details of the group grant scheme are available at www.countydurhamhousinggroup.co.uk/groupgrant, by calling 0191 349 7777 or emailing groupgrant@cdhg.co.uk