Shows performed by adults with learning difficulties are proving a hit in Saltburn and are invariably a sell-out. Jan Hunter looks at the growing success of Earthbeat and the way it is helping people achieve self-worth and skills through performance.

TONY Galuidi drew up a ten-year plan about eight years ago, though he had been working with adults with learning difficulties since the 1990s after leaving the Army.

He had seen how dance, drama, music and a sense of working together built confidence and improved speech and motor skills.

He began writing plays for them, and the title of their first for public performance was Earthbeat, which is how the company name came about.

Performances followed at local theatres and were much in demand.

The plan was always to have a space suited to the work. Initially, it was hoped to move into Guisborough’s Registry Office which had become vacant, but some members of Redcar and Cleveland Council were keen to sell the building to a pub chain.

Mr Galuidi rallied the troops and no fewer than 500 protesters marched through Guisborough and presented a petition with 6,000 signatures to the council.

In the meantime, he and volunteers had raised £250,000 through grants and fundraising ideas with the idea of running the space as a community service with community benefits.

Eventually they found the ideal place in the old Saltburn primary school, but £14,000 was needed to repair the roof alone.

Young people on police schemes were among the 40 volunteers who came forward to help and everyone worked alongside each other. Three months later the centre opened its doors to the public.

“We got a 50-year lease on the building,” said Mr Galuidi. "We have six permanent tenants in the refurbished rooms, including a vegetarian healthy eating cafe, yoga and physiotherapy. The rent covers our heating and lighting costs.

"We have 84 members, nine permanent staff and six volunteers for the day-to-day work. I write the plays as I understand the skills they have, and every show is a sell-out. I feel so very proud of them.”

Earthbeat runs classes in the morning and works with professionals including drama teachers, dancers, musicians and singing coaches. Afternoons are spent rehearsing for shows coming up with different groups.

“We are like a little family,” said Donna Leighton, the percussion teacher. ”The people we teach are lovely to be with and are capable of so much. Tony is a legend. He makes things happen and there is a sense of creativity and happiness. Everyone has a can-do approach.”

Chris Longden has worked with the company for two years. His parents own RED, Redcar Centre for Adults with Learning Difficulties, and he is mainly in charge of technical aspects of the shows, though he says that although everyone has his or her speciality, people do everything and anything.

Stewart Harrison has been in countless shows. “The staff used to help us so much more in the early days,” he said, “but we learn the words ourselves now and the staff no longer need to be in the shows. We do it ourselves.”

Debbie Mitchell is excited about playing the witch in the Christmas performance of The Snow Queen. “I just enjoy being here,” she said. “I love being in the shows and I love the staff as they are so helpful.”

Shows they are working on at the moment include Gangsters, an interpretation of Chicago, the Musical, which will be staged by the Wednesday group from September 7-9, and The Snow Queen by the Friday group on December 9, 14, 15 and 16; details from www.earthbeatcentre.co.uk or 07969 623118.