FROM auditions for Sky TV to being interviewed by the BBC, it has been a big year for Ella.

The performance group, whose members include those with learning disabilities, have been inspiring audiences with their inclusive approach to theatre since 2008.

Now all of Ella's members, aged between three and 56, are coming to Warrington to present Oliver this Sunday.

"It’s changing the mindset of the public and their idea and their perception of people with learning disabilities," said Keily Hampson, creative director.

"The idea behind it all is that everybody is equal and has the same opportunities.

"So even though there is a specialism around learning disabilities we’ve found that we’re able to offer the same training to both young people with additional needs and their non-disabled peers.

"That is changing the way these young people think because they’re seeing no difference between them.

"Our drama coach is Rachael Lindsay from Brookside so we get a lot of people wanting to join because she’s an amazing tutor."

Ella, from Runcorn, holds the North West Empowerment Award and scooped two Clapperboard awards last year for its film, We Are People Too, which was written, performed and directed by its members.

But 2015 has been an even bigger year after a major Sky audition.

Keily, aged 43, added: "Twenty people were called back nationally for a part in Stella and six of them were ours. The talent in the group is incredible.

"It was their first professional audition and now they’re on a showreel which will be shown to BBC, ITV and all the big satellite channels."

Founding member Laura Green, who has Down's Syndrome, also hit the headlines when she was interviewed by the BBC for setting up her own business selling fashion accessories.

Keily said: "Laura's our Nancy and her interview was watched all over the world a few weeks ago.

"She is now in talks with several documentary people to follow her story. That all came from the confidence she gained at the group which led to her starting her own business.

"She talks nationally at events now. It has impacted on all our members’ lives massively and it’s changed my life and the way I see things as well."

Ella started out as just six people who were entering Halton's Got Talent. The group now has 78 members and are assisted by 40 volunteers.

Keily added: "I taught them a few dances and helped them with a few songs and it started from there really.

"They’ve gone from doing small sketches to full scale musical productions. It’s taken us about seven years to get to this level and now we have a following and a lot of support which is really lovely."

- Ella presents Oliver at Parr Hall on Sunday. Visit pyramidparrhall.com