The Purple All-Stars’ spectacular song and dance show shone the spotlight on social isolation and inclusion at major festive events this month.
Crowds cheered as the Hertfordshire-based group of adults with learning disabilities performed at the Christmas lights switch on in Stevenage town centre. They also took to the main stage at the Christmas festival in St Peter’s Street in St Albans.
“It was electrifying with the people watching,” said Robbie Williams, who shares his name with the singing superstar. “It took courage, but it was an incredible feeling to be here and to be part of this group with my friends.”
Robbie is one of the 19 performers who are helping to change the way the world looks at their community. He took centre stage in his wheelchair during the group’s energetic dance to We Go Together from hit film Grease and the 1990s disco-inspired Freed From Desire by Gala Rizzatto.
The medley of pop and festive songs was a hit with the thousands of people at the events, where there was other live music, street theatre and food and drink stalls. Their playlist also included a poignant interpretation of You Will Be Found from the musical Dear Evan Hansen about an anxious, isolated high school student.
One of the aims of the award-winning group is to raise awareness about mental and physical health as well as social isolation, inclusion and equality for people with learning disabilities.
During the show, the performers explained how people could help them feel like valued and equal members of the community - a message made more powerful by the festive season of goodwill.
“The aim of this song is to help you understand how lonely and isolating it can sometimes feel to be a citizen with a learning disability,” said long-time Purple All-Star Kerry Foster, who introduced the Killers’ hit song Human, sung by the group’s newest member, James Kenyon. He joined just two months ago.
“Even if it is finding out someone’s name and saying ‘hi’ and giving them a smile and a wave can be the difference between being valued as a member of the community and feeling isolated,” Kerry told the crowd.
Stephen Thurgood and Katie Trotter went further in their joint message on stage: “Sometimes people look away or they don’t smile, it is like I am not welcome anywhere. This makes me feel sad and alone.
“I struggle to have confidence when this happens to me. This means that sometimes I stay in bed and am too scared to go out for a walk. If I struggle to feel like I am part of the community, how can I keep well or look after my health?”
James’s mother Judith Kenyon praised the Purple All-Stars, including staff, for changing perceptions about disability: “Many of the members have experienced life where they’re just passed over as being learning disabled when actually they have their own talents, like my James who sings,” she said.
“He has performed before, but here [in the group] it is different because more is expected of him, and I like that. The group builds resilience, self-esteem and that sense of belonging. It also educates the public to embrace difference.”
Kate Harding, creative care practitioner for the Purple All-Stars, who produced and choreographed the show, said: “Everyone has worked so hard during rehearsals, and it has really paid off. I am really proud of them and how they performed. The crowd loved it. Through our work we are promoting health and inclusivity, which is so important.”
The Purple All-Stars was set up in 2011 by the Learning Disability Nursing Service within Hertfordshire County Council (HCC), in Stevenage, to deliver health promotion messages to people with learning disability through song and dance. The group is funded by HCC.
The YouTube video of its pop song Sepsis, for example, was recognised by NHS England as a tool for raising awareness about the signs and conditions of the potentially fatal condition. The group was also honoured with a National Drama Award for contributions to inclusive theatre.
Other projects include roleplay for a training programme for NHS doctors and nurses in Hatfield. The group has also performed at many community events, such as the opening of the Eric Morecambe Theatre in Harpenden and the Hertfordshire County Show.
Upcoming shows include at Stevenage Football Club’s stadium at half-time during the match between the town and Tranmere Rovers on February 25. The Purple All-Stars will also appear at the Gordon Craig Theatre as part of the Stevenage Festival next year.
New members are welcome and also events and places to perform. For details about Purple All-Stars go to Facebook @purplestarstrategyproject or @purpleallstarspurpleallstars or Twitter @HLTHertsCC or call 01438 845372.
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