Member Article

Large productions make a big difference

Darlington-based Large Productions is helping to improve the lives of local people with learning disabilities through theatre, thanks to help from Business Link. Due to officially launch tomorrow, the company is a social enterprise which uses the performing arts as a vehicle to explore relevant issues and realise the talents of its members.

Robert Large and Julie Cormack set up Large Productions after working together in Darlington in social care roles. In their last employment one of the highlights of Robert and Julie’s roles was having the responsibility of organising the annual Christmas pantomime.

Robert said: “We both really enjoyed putting on the shows each year, as we could see that it was really building the confidence of all the individuals involved. After the Christmas 2006 show closed, we starting thinking if we enjoy this so much why don’t we do it all year round?”

Robert and Julie contacted Business Link for advice on getting their social enterprise off the ground. Thanks to Business Link support, Large Productions has now set up in its own studio - located in the grounds of Darlington Memorial Hospital. The company offers the opportunity for people to take part in original productions and workshops which are run throughout the week.

Suzanne Henty, account manager at Business Link, said: “This fledgling business has overcome a number of barriers and hurdles already in order to establish itself. “Both Robert and Julie have the determination to succeed and, despite a number of initial setbacks, are now supplying a service which benefits their members and the wider community.”

To contact Large Productions call Robert on 07957 208575.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .