Inspirational show

Ariel’s Othellos students from Crawley, East Grinstead, Horsham and Burgess Hill performed their largest showcase at the Chequers Mead Theatre, East Grinstead, starring 82 children and adults with individual challenges or educational needs who share a common interest of dance, drama and song.

The students, aged between seven and 35, are supported by Ariel Buddies.

These Ariel students give their time to work and mentor the Othellos on a weekly basis and this commitment has been recognised twice with Ariel Buddies winning the coveted Lady Diana Award.

Through this partnership the children build a bond and on stage everyone is equal, producing a fantastic range of theatre.

Highlights from the evening included Burgess Hill students tackling an abridged version of Romeo and Juliet with depth and humour.

A challenging piece of physical theatre to Queen’s Under Pressure had the whole theatre rocking and the climax of the evening was the aptly chosen finale With a Little Help from my Friends.

All cast members and Buddies took part, singing along to this Beatles classic, resulting in a standing ovation from the full auditorium.

Ariel principal Nicci Hopson said: “Ariel truly believes that drama crosses boundaries and knows no divisions.

“On stage the students, with support from their Buddies are free to express themselves and demonstrate what they have learnt.

“This was our largest show and it has been an incredible year for the Othellos, with many taking their London Academy of Music and Dramatic Dance exams for the first time and several achieving distinctions.

“I feel very proud of the students and our inspirational tutors.”