TAYLOR, Katie and Pete live in a safe and comfortable cul-de-sac protected from the outside world...so why would they want to leave?

Proud and Loud Arts theatre company is coming to Warrington to present a surreal world where people with disabilities are protected by hiding them away.

The play, coming to Parr Hall on May 18, is very personal to the disability-led group as, although fictional, the theme is based on their own experiences.

It explores what the word ‘care’ means to people with disabilities.

Artistic director Tom Hogan said the cast of 15 have sometimes felt unintentionally patronised by their carers which has left them feeling isolated.

He said: “Some complained that the care was too intrusive as the carer was making decisions on their behalf and making presumptions about they wanted to do.

“It’s that notion of care being smothering rather than promoting independence.”

Those thoughts and fears have been transformed into ‘Beyond the 4th Wall’.

Tom added: “A group of people with disabilities form their own commune in a cul-de-sac cut off from the dangers of the outside world.

“Over time they feel more and more wrapped in cotton wool and conform with whatever they’re told to do.

“But they start to see the audience and interact with them and want to go out.”

Taylor, Katie, and Pete know life outside four walls is dangerous and flawed but they need to see and experience it for themselves.

Tom said: “It was the theatre group member’s feelings at the time the play was written. Writer Cathy Crabb brought all the snippets of stories together.

“Each part was written for each individual and reflects their interests but it’s in no way autobiographical to any one person. It’s in the realm of fantasy.”

But do not expect it all to be doom and gloom.

Tom added: “We’re dealing with a serious subject but there’s a lot of parody.

“If there’s no laughs people tend to disengage so it’s important to have some fun with it.”

- Beyond the 4th Wall comes to Parr Hall on Saturday, May 18, at 2.30pm. Tickets are from £6. Visit pyramidparrhall.com or call 442345