Audience's joy as L'Arche puts on wizard show for its panto

The members of the community for adults with learning disabilities staged their version of The Wizard of Oz for one special show.

The panto was adapted by national playwright and actor Richard Everett whose recent play, Entertaining Angels, starred Penelope Keith at the Chichester Festival Theatre.

Richard has been leading weekly drama sessions at L’Arche in Hawthorn Road for the past three years.

He said: “It has been so rewarding to see how the performers have developed over the last couple of months, and not only had a great deal of fun but also found drama as a language for their own expression.”

Previous pantomimes by L’Arche have included Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk.

Richard was also responsible for the film of The Beatitudes made by L’Arche Bognor community members which has attracted thousands of hits on YouTube and involves members acting out the famous verses in their unique way.

Adults with learning disabilities wishing to join the L’Arche dance and drama group should contact Mary Ann on 01243 863426.