A company of Leeds actors with learning disabilities who wowed audiences last year with their fantastical adventures are returning to our Barber Studio from 17-18 December with their new devised show, Emporium Curioso 2.

Following on from the magic and mischief of Emporium Curioso, the new show, presented by Bright Sparks Theatre Company, takes audiences down a quiet street and into an unassuming little shop in the run-up to Christmas. Inside, the shopkeepers share the stories behind all the curious items on the shelves. Some stories are sad, some are happy, some are scary, and some will make you hoot with laughter.

“In our original play, we explored how objects hold memories, and how fantastical stories can be inspired by random items taken down from a shelf,” said John Hudson, Artistic Director of Bright Sparks. “We are back in our ‘shop of dreams’ again but this time it’s Christmas and everything is covered in snow. When you pop into our curious little shop, you might find the things you want – or the things you want might find you. We are purveyors of this, and of that. Stockists of the supernatural. Dealers of dreams.”

Emporium Curioso 2 is devised and performed by a cast of learning-disabled actors and their creative enablers. The show is supported with funding from The National Lottery Community Fund and The Liz and Terry Bramall Foundation.

Leeds Playhouse runs year-round creative courses, workshops and club nights for adults with learning disabilities (see below for details). We also host regular Relaxed Performances (RP) which are adapted to meet the needs of audience members with learning disabilities. All the dates for Emporium Curioso 2 are RP. The next RP shows are: Stick Man on Friday 12 December, 10.30am; Thursday 18 December, 1pm; Saturday 3 January, 4pm; and A Christmas Carol on Wednesday 7 January, 11am.