Stourbridge MP, Suzanne Web visited the Side by Side ‘open morning’ at the weekend and toured the theatre and met with staff and the disabled actors who use the space.

Ms Webb talked with the trustees of the charity, Derek Lidington and Susan Wallin MBE and she was shown around the redeveloped St. John’s Church off Stourbridge Ring Road that is now the group's home.

The Church had been in a state of disrepair before Side by Side were able to purchase the building with the help of a generous parent and donor. It has now been renovated for use by the charity and theatre groups and they hold classes for disabled actors on weekday nights.

Suzanne watched three mini performances - including a Brexit-themed comedy piece - and also spoke to the parents of the young people there – all of whom were positive about the work taking place. Suzanne said:

“It was a pleasure to visit this superb local charity and see the brilliant creative work that is happening there. I really enjoyed the performances I saw and the talent and dedication of the actors was there for all to see.

“It is really heartening to visit special places like this in Stourbridge and to see the dedication of the staff who run it.”

Susan Wallin, who is also the creative director added: “Side by Side Theatre Company Stourbridge was delighted to welcome Suzanne Webb, our local MP.

“The actors, dancers and digital media students performed pop-up pieces while visitors could look around the refurbished St John’s Church, which is now the permanent home for our learning-disabled members to learn and develop all aspects of the performing arts. 

“Suzanne was so enthusiastic and encouraging and we are so pleased that after the 18 months when we all had to stop/start with the pandemic restrictions, we were able to show her our work and newly converted building.”