Disability Drama Group Wins Big at Eisteddfod

ConnecteDArts troupe earns top honors and praise for inclusive arts program.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:18am

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An abstract, out-of-focus scene depicting a group of people on a stage, their forms and faces blurred into soft, warm pools of color and light, conveying the joyful energy of a theatrical performance.The inclusive drama program ConnecteDArts celebrates the transformative power of the arts in building confidence and community for adults with disabilities.Cheshire Village Today

The thespian troupe of ConnecteDArts, a drama program designed for adults with disabilities, took home multiple trophies from this year's Eisteddfod competition, including the award for Most Magical Moment. The group's entry in the Devised Non-Musical Group Work open class earned them Honours with a score of 89 points, showcasing the power of the arts to build confidence and community.

Why it matters

The success of ConnecteDArts demonstrates the importance of making the dramatic arts more accessible and inclusive for people with disabilities. The program's focus on self-expression and joy has had a significant positive impact on its participants, challenging preconceptions about the abilities of adults with disabilities.

The details

ConnecteDArts was launched by the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy in 2018 with the goal of inspiring confidence and joy through the dramatic arts. The group, which is about half a dozen strong with some additional less regular participants, is particularly known for its talent in comedy. The program's teacher, Natalie Wrigley, has a background in working with adults with disabilities and has seen the participants' confidence and social skills grow tremendously through their involvement.

  • The Eisteddfod competition took place in April 2026.
  • ConnecteDArts was launched by the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy in 2018.

The players

ConnecteDArts

A drama program designed for adults with disabilities, launched by the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy in 2018 with the goal of making the dramatic arts more accessible and inclusive.

Natalie Wrigley

The teacher of the ConnecteDArts class, who has a background in working with adults with disabilities and has seen the positive impact of the program on its participants.

Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy

The organization that launched the ConnecteDArts program in 2018 with the aim of making the arts more accessible and inclusive.

Katey Cheshire

The co-principal of the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy, who emphasizes the importance of making the arts accessible to all.

Teah Marquis

A member of the ConnecteDArts group who expresses her joy and enthusiasm for the program.

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What they’re saying

“I was just so proud. So, so proud.”

— Natalie Wrigley, Class Teacher

“Using drama can really help them express themselves. Making the arts accessible is something that's really important to us, and I think it's had a great impact.”

— Katey Cheshire, Co-Principal, Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy

“It's been massively positive. Their whole confidence in life has grown, and they're making friends and learning new skills.”

— Natalie Wrigley, Class Teacher

“I love it – it's amazing. We have very much fun together. I'm just happy everyone's here.”

— Teah Marquis

“Its really fun. And I just want to say that the two lovely people who run this – we wouldn't ask for anyone else.”

— Emma Harvey

What’s next

The ConnecteDArts group is open to new members, who can sign up to participate in the weekly Tuesday sessions through the Cheshire Dramatic Arts Academy. The academy is also hopeful that they might be able to secure sponsorship in order to keep fees minimal for their members.

The takeaway

The success of the ConnecteDArts drama program demonstrates the transformative power of the arts in building confidence, fostering community, and challenging perceptions about the abilities of adults with disabilities. This inclusive approach to the dramatic arts serves as an inspiring model for other communities seeking to make the arts more accessible and empowering for all.