Participation and Learning
A passionate commitment to participation and learning lies at the heart of all Myrtle Theatre Company's work.
We have seen the positive impact on children, young people and adults when they explore their lives through theatre and drama related activities.
We offer workshops and events that enable the public to engage creatively with our productions.
Alongside Up Down BIG Man we are delivering a series of engagement opportunities for Community groups and collaborating with Keynsham and district MENCAP throughout the project.
Please contact us for further information about our interactive workshops and training opportunities connected to The Up Down Trilogy (Up Down Boy, Up Down Man and Up Down BIG Man).
Our Up Down Journey
Meet Nathan Bessell and Heather Wiliams as they talk about their extraordinary 20 year creative partnership and hear how Up Down Boy, Up Down Man and now Up Down BIG Man has shaped their lives. With excerpts from the first two plays in this unique trilogy, this promises to be the perfect companion piece to Up Down BIG Man.
Nathan and Heather perform live excerpts from their plays, show archive film footage of the Up Down project and share photographs of their incredible journey.
• Hearwhat happened when they faced New Zealand border security with a light sabre and a life-size cardboard cut out of Buffy the vampire slayer in their hand luggage.
• Learn how Nathan gave the performance of a lifetime, appearing in a play written by his own mother, mentored by writer of Mamma Mia! Catherine Johnson
• Discover why working together has changed both their lives for the better in a world where there is little professional opportunity for people with learning difficulties
• Find out about the obstacles they have encountered and the creative challenges of balancing independence and care
• Enjoy meeting Nathan – an extrovert, humorous, charismatic individual with a remarkable talent for performance
Our Up Down Journey is an unforgettable experience, exploring the highs and lows of this joyful and unconventional creative partnership.
To book Our Up Down Journey for your group, event or organisation, please contact: info.myrtletheatre@gmail.com
"This is one of the most important and brilliant pieces of theatre we've had the privilege to present. It soars beyond words, plunges deep wells of emotion and takes your breath away with visual invention. It's hilarious as well as heartbreaking. It dares to challenge as well as delight. audience responses have been like nothing we've experienced before and the reviews are universally glowing and 5 stars"
- Mike Tweddle, Artistic Director Oxford Playhouse
“I am immensely proud to be part of Up Down BIG Man. representation of learning difficulties and disabilities in drama, and the arts remains limited. While progress is made we must go further to ensure inclusivity and accessibility through role models like Nathan.”
- Lisa Parker SEND consultant, Up Down BIG Man Project evaluation advisor.
First image: Keynsham and district Mencap workshop (April 2026)
Second Image: Nathan Bessell and Heather Williams Up Down Boy 2009
Photographer: Graham Burke