Please Take Your Seats Now! An Audience Perspective on TramShed

I remember the first ever TramShed show in the ‘little theatre’ (we named it that!) I was desperately trying to keep my toddler (now 17) quiet while watching a small number of performers sing and act. It was the first time we had all seen such inclusive theatre work and we loved it. 15 years later, 2 more children to add to the audience plus many more family and friends’ supporters along the way, we haven’t missed a show. We have a shelf full of DVDs to prove it too! When TramShed started it only had a small number of performers, now the stage is bursting with children and adults wanting to be part of this group.

The Paintin/Teese Clan - 2022

Nothing has ever been a barrier to performing. As a member of the audience for 15 years we have seen individuals sing solos who would struggle to hold a conversation, performers dance in wheelchairs and children and adults grow in such confidence that they can learn so many lines to be main characters and learn a sequence of steps in a dance. The most important part for me has been the friendships that have grown while watching the show and showing that anything is possible, teaching us all what ‘inclusion’ means!

My children have grown up watching their Uncle and Grandma in TramShed. They can name so many of the performers and can’t wait to see what they will do in the next show. They are so proud of what everyone achieves and have special memories from shows they have seen; Thankyou TramShed for 15 years of fun, lots of laughter and many brilliant shows!

The Teese Family - Louise, Martin, Lewis (17), Phoebe (14) and Grace (11).

Way back in 2007 when my Mum and Daniel told us that they were going to join a brand-new theatre company in Blackpool which was going to be similar to London’s Chickenshed Theatre group – we had no idea that something so special would come into all of our lives! Fifteen years on we have been lucky enough to experience the wonder of TramShed from an audience perspective.  We’ve been to every single show, supported every event and been proud to be part of something so very wonderful, inspiring and fulfilling. From Row G seats 8, 9, 10 and 11 we’ve seen a small core group with an incredible vision transform into a vast thriving theatre company.  TramShed is a place that is truly inclusive, where anyone and everyone can be part of something with a common goal.

Lilia and Elliott’s first taste of live theatre as babies, then toddlers and children, was through TramShed. Over the years as a family, we have loved following the progress of members as they grow, develop and flourish on stage.  We’ve seen those who were assisted, grow to be able to perform alone and members emerge from the background to take centre stage and sing solos.  Of course, we always love seeing what character Uncle Daniel will embody for each show, our personal favourite was Gladys!!!  There have been so many memorable performances and scenes. We have loved each and every show.   If I were to pick out one performance that embodies TramShed and sticks with me, it was the breath-taking adult company performance of Coldplay - Fix You!  

TramShed’s members have taught us, the audience, so much about inclusivity.  Everyone plays their part and everyone is in the spotlight. To sit and watch a TramShed production is like being on Blackpool’s famous rollercoaster - the TramShed ‘Big One’ takes you on a wonderful ride full of twists and turns of comedy, music, drama and emotion – always emotion! The experience is invigorating and takes your breath away every time!

Zac is the heart and soul of TramShed. We see how he orchestrates from the audience and are full of admiration of the contribution he has made to TramShed and the lives of each and every member.  He sees no boundaries and inspires everyone to achieve what many may feel impossible.  Thank you to Zac and the team behind the scenes who facilitate, support, encourage and inspire.

The Paintin Family Watching TramShed Online 2021

In lockdown, TramShed continued to surprise us - with powerful and engaging online performances. Technically we couldn’t imagine how difficult it was to organise and execute for everyone taking part. Nothing can stop TramShed and its members being together and performing! We can’t wait to get back into the theatre to see a TramShed production again … here’s to many more shows, many more raffles and us giving many more standing ovations over the next fifteen years!!!  

#15yearstogether

The Paintin Family – Simon, Natalie, Lilia (12) and Elliott (9)