Under the Stars War – a look back

We can’t believe it’s almost five months since our Thursday Drama Group performed Under the Stars War at the Crucible Theatre! In this retrospective blog, we take a look back at the production and revisit the experience by catching up with director Lauren Partridge, drama practitioner David Lumley, and some of the cast to reflect on the process and hear more about how the piece came together.

Tell us a bit about the rehearsal period for Under the Stars War

Lauren: We started the process by finding space themed songs and choreographing dances to them which was great fun. One of the main influences that came out was the Stars War theme and also the prologue from Romeo and Juliet and from that came the story of Under the Stars War – so basically Romeo and Juliet set in space! Two warring factions that fall in love – without the poison and death at the end!

David: Yeah, as a group we thought of as many big sci-fi moments from films and TV shows and thought about how we could weave these into the show.

Lauren: and something we wanted to do was have the last line as ‘I am your father’ so we worked backwards from there to piece together a story that would reveal who the father was, whilst fitting in lots of memorable and iconic sci-fi references. There was a lot of chatting and devising as a group. We started with the dances, then started to create scenes, then added songs which the group customised with their own lyrics to fit the storyline. David then recorded and mixed these which was a great experience for everyone and something we’ve not done before.

Were there any surprising moments during this process?

Lauren: Yes! Everyone’s rapping ability was something that was really cool. It was amazing. We hadn’t done any before and they were brilliant at that type of speak singing.

What were your proudest moments?

David: I was so impressed by how everyone was so cool and calm. As staff, we were flapping backstage, whereas for the actors, it was just like another day in the office! Everyone fulfilled their potential and went beyond that. All of the actors remembered everything and although there’s always worries on the run up to a show, they pulled it out of the bag. In rehearsals, people could get frustrated when something went wrong but they overcame this and were so supportive with one another.

Lauren: Yeah, I think for me it was seeing everything come together – the projections, the dances, people laughing and understanding it. I’d thought ‘will people get it?’ and they did. They laughed at all the right moments and really enjoyed it. It was a fun production with lots in it and bringing it all together was no mean feat.

What challenges did you face along the way?

Lauren: There was lots to remember for our actors – their lines, the dances and positioning for all the entrances, exits and scenes. There were moments where people were thinking ‘where am I supposed to be for this dance!?’ but it all pulled together. We only had a day in the theatre before our first performance that evening, so everyone did brilliantly.

David: The costume changes were challenging but it all worked out thankfully!

What would you say to someone with disabilities who is thinking about doing drama?

Lauren: I’d say - you can do it! Anything is possible – the sky’s the limit! You can make a story from anything; we showed that with our mash up of Star Wars and Romeo and Juliet. For me, it’s also understanding the barriers that disabled actors may face and working with this. There shouldn’t be any barriers - so, I adjust by saying things like ‘Can you move here – rather than can you walk here’.

Describe Under the Stars War in three words:

David: Groundbreaking, innovative, fun

Lauren: Hilarious, imaginative ….and…did you say 3 words? Out of this world!

Actors:

Izzy Harper

What character did you play Izzy?

I played the part of Rhea – the leader of the Saturnites. Their job was to take over the earth, but she doesn’t want to. She kind of wants a war but doesn’t want too much drama.

What was it like being in Under the Stars War?

It was so good. I got to let some of my acting skills out - that I’d kept hidden for so many years. I finally got to let them out and got to show people the real me.

How did that feel?

I felt really proud. Really awesome. Performing the show was amazing. It was wicked! At the end I felt fantastic. Seeing my family smile and being so proud of me and knowing that everyone loved it and how famous I’d become – that felt brilliant.

What would you say to someone with a disability who is thinking of getting into acting?

I would say – just go out there and do it. Be yourself – you’ve got this. Go out there and show people what you’re made of.

How would you describe Under the Stars War in three words?

Amazing, Fantastic and wicked!

Jack:

What was the process of creating Under the Stars War?

We all came up with a Star Wars, sci-fi style show. We got bits together using everyone’s ideas and then put it into one big show.

What was the best thing about your experience of being in the show?

I enjoyed the rehearsals and coming up with lots of the ideas. I also liked doing the dances a lot.

What was your proudest moment?

It was doing the Neil Armstrong speech. I felt really good and I had to do an American accent. It was great. I also thought our group worked very well as a team.

What have you learnt from being in Under the Stars War?

I’ve learnt how to do different accents and also got to be a better dancer.

Describe Under the Stars War in three words:

Funny, intriguing and amazing

Xera and Lewis:

What parts did you play?

Xera: I played Luna who lives in space. She falls in love with Titan, who was played by Lewis.

What was your favourite moment?

Xera: I liked saying all of my lines and also hugging Lewis. My best bit was saying ‘What? Are you going to fart?’ everyone laughed, especially my mum.

Lewis: We thought we were going to laugh when Xera said that line, but we were professional and didn’t.

Xera: Yeah, it was really fun. I also liked singing in front of an audience – that was great. It was funny hearing my voice over the speakers and seeing people on the big screen.

Lewis: It felt amazing performing in the Crucible. It felt like we were starring in a bigger space – a lot bigger than we had thought.

Were there any challenges?

Xera: It was really hard work getting everything together, but we worked as a team. I felt nervous when I got to The Crucible, but I didn’t feel nervous by the end of it. Everyone really supported me.

Lewis: I really liked being the spaceship, but it was hard to see through it though! That was the only bit that was hard. Even Anne [the producer] tested it and said it was a bit hard to see through it! It was a bit blurry. It looked amazing though.

What would you give Under the Star Wars out of ten?

Xera: 10 out of 10

Lewis: For me it was 100 out of 10!

Thank you to everyone who made Under the Stars War such a success. We can’t wait to see what lies ahead for our talented Thursday group!

Last month our Monday and Wednesday Drama groups presented their incredible production of ‘Folktales Reincarnated’ – an immersive experience blending live theatre and film. The event was three years in the making and proved to be a smash hit!

Drawing on 1970s folk horror, African folklore, early gothic cinema, and physical theatre, the production shared a world where stories are passed on, transformed, and reborn.

We caught up with some of the creative team and actors to find out more…

Steve Givnan, director and lead facilitator described the process of creating the show:

This is the first production the Monday and Wednesday drama groups have shared for some time. At Under the Stars, the process of devising and rehearsal is as important as the final performance. Along the way, we have seen people grow in confidence, discover new skills and take creative risks together.

We began by asking both groups what stories and themes they were drawn to. There was a strong interest in fairy tales and folk stories, alongside a fascination with darker, more unsettling material. We explored how these traditions overlap - experimenting with genre, movement, atmosphere and forms of storytelling that were new to us.

Folktales Reincarnated reflects our shared belief that stories do not stay fixed in the past. They are reborn through new perspectives, shaped by the people who tell them. While not directly about disability, these works are informed by the lived experience, creativity and imagination of disabled and neurodivergent artists, quietly woven into the fabric of the storytelling.

It has been a joy to make this work together and hope that audiences were left carrying something new - a thought, an image, or a piece of wisdom - to share with others.

We also had the opportunity to speak with some of the cast, all of whom loved the experience of devising and performing in the production.

Sheridan shared how much she loved stepping into her character, describing the role as making her feel confident and excited. She especially enjoyed wearing her light up costume, which helped bring the character to life. She went on to say 'It was nice doing the dancing. Before it I felt quite nervous and shy but once we started I felt, happy and confident. I would like to do it again. It made me feel amazing' On stage, Sheridan captivated audiences with her striking physicality and vivid characterisation, fully immersed in her performance.

Jack talked about how great the whole process has been 'It all came together by thinking about folktales over a two year period. It's a load of stories which we connected together. I loved how everyone had great imagination and everyone had so much inspiration. I had loads of ideas.' Jack particularly liked the fact that they moved around and were close to the audience. He described the show as 'mystical, exciting and unique'

Ken took on his role as Shikondo with remarkable intensity, delivering a powerful performance that left a lasting impression. Ken really enjoyed playing a baddie although he mentioned that his costume was very warm! He spoke enthusiastically about his love of acting and his experience in the production, encouraging others to get involved with Under the Stars. In his own words Ken said 'I felt brilliant after because I like acting and performing.'

Nick described how much he enjoyed and performing in Folktales Reincarnated. He described how his favourite moment was playing the guitar. He also mentioned how much he liked his costumes. All in all, Nick felt that 'it was a great performance and all the performers did a brilliant job'

Leanna described how much she enjoyed playing the Mushroom Goddess and particularly liked her costume, make up and hair. She felt excited when performing and being part of something that everyone enjoyed.

Huge thanks to our amazing production team - Debby for her outstanding work on costumes, sets, and props; David for the stunning lighting design; Rachel for her fantastic input both on and off stage and Anne, our drama project manager, for overseeing the project and ensuring everything ran smoothly. Extra thanks also go to our volunteers, both on and off stage.

And finally, to our audiences - thank you. Your support and feedback have been phenomenal, with 100% of attendees saying they would recommend the show. Here's to the next one!

Next Thursday, the dance floor comes alive again as Under the Stars nightclub reopens at a brand-new venue: The Foundry at Sheffield University. On Thursday 23rd October from 7pm–10pm, we’re bringing the party to a fresh space, and we can’t wait to see you there!

If you’ve never been to an Under the Stars nightclub before, you don’t know what you’re missing. Our club is designed specifically for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism, along with their friends and supporters. It’s a space where everyone can feel free, celebrated, and totally themselves—and trust us, our clubbers know how to party.

Over 20 DJs, One Unforgettable Night

Expect brilliant vibes from our DJ squads—more than 20 DJs will be spinning tunes throughout the night covering a range of genres from dance anthems to classic rock. Every one of our DJs has trained in our music workshops at Under the Stars, where creativity, confidence, and connection take centre stage.

One DJ we’re especially excited about is newcomer Chrissie, aka DJ Miiaaooww. After a sizzling debut at Tramlines Fringe in July, this will be her first nightclub performance……and she’s ready to bring the house down.

Chrissie said “My DJ name is DJ Miiaaooww because I’m really mad about cats and it sounds good,” Chrissie told us. “I’m a bit nervous about the nightclub, but the Tramlines set was brilliant so I’m sure we’ll be fine.”

Her set promises a mix of classic feel-good tunes like Hear Me Tonight and Move Your Feet, with a possible nod to her feline fandom via a Pussycat Dolls track. As Chrissie puts it, “I was born in 1993, so this is my era!”

Chrissie’s goal is simple: to make clubbers feel happy and free.

“I know not everyone will love the songs I choose, but I want them to dance how they want to dance. I want them to feel free!”

When asked what makes a great DJ, Chrissie said it’s all about enthusiasm, great songs, and connecting with the crowd. She’s even planning a shout-out to fellow cat lovers:

“I want to shout out—Have we got any cat lovers out there? I say ‘Me’, you say ‘Yow’—I think that could be fun!”

Chrissie is dedicating her set to her dad, honouring their shared love of music (even if their tastes didn’t always match). She also sends heartfelt thanks to her fellow Sparkle Sistaz, Under the Stars, and all the clubbers for coming along.

Event Details

•           Date & Time: Thursday 23rd October, 7pm–10pm

•           Venue: The Foundry, Sheffield University

•           Accessibility: The venue is fully accessible. Entry is via Bar One, and stewards will be on hand to direct you.