Photo Flash: First Look at Imogen Roberts and More in JOY at Stratford East

Clamour Theatre Company presents the world première production of Stephanie Martin's Joy. A coming of age story about a young woman with Down's syndrome, exploring family, friendship, control and freedom, performed by a company of seven featuring three actors with learning disabilities, this is a play to expose the limitations placed upon those with learning disabilities and, more importantly to celebrate and demand the right of everyone to have the life they want. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

Starring Imogen Roberts, who leads the company in the role of Joy. Making their professional stage debuts are Deen Hallissey in the role of Paul and Stephanie Newman as Mabel. Joining them onstage will be Rachael Bright (Mary), Kate Lynn Evans (Sue), Ej Martin (Maud) and Danny Scheinnman (John).

"I'm so bored of people telling me what to do. I'm okay on my own. Everyone wants to wrap me up and tell me what to do and how to feel. I'm either a pet or I'm ignored. You know how people look at me in the street. Or don't look at me. You know what I hate the most? I open my mouth to say something and before I've even said anything I can see people ready to say "no", to shake their heads. Disability is a shit word, I'm not using it anymore. So, I've decided, I am not a pet. I am just me. And I love being me."

Directed by Melanie Fullbrook, this production tells the tale of Joy, who has Down's syndrome and who is getting older and is ready to go everywhere and do everything, encouraged in this by her new friend Sue. Joy likes art club, romantic films, hanging out with her boyfriend, her part-time job at the pub and getting drunk with her sister. Joy's Dad just want to keep her safe. The world's a dangerous place, after all. Joy's working on a project for college, about people like her in London in 1871. In her day-dreams she sees two Victorians sisters, who risk everything, travelling across an angry and hostile city, determined to reach safety, freedom and a new home.

The production opens in Gerry's Studio at Theatre Royal Stratford East tonight 26 October, and runs until 4 November. For tickets, visit www.stratfordeast.com/whats-on/gerrys.

Photo Credit: MATHEW FOSTER

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