Middleton Arena rocks to the sounds of a late, late Christmas

Photo: Paul Husband Photography

It’s Gonna be a Late, Late Christmas; performed by staff and supporters of The Social Lounge in Heywood

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It was standing room only for two nights as Middleton Arena rocked to the sounds of a special show It’s Gonna be a Late, Late Christmas.

Performed by a cast of over forty members, staff and supporters of The Social Lounge in Heywood, vulnerable people ranging in age from 15 to 55 wowed the crowd with a variety of acts that had them dancing in the aisles.

Rachel Law, Chief Executive of PossAbilities, the Heywood based social enterprise that runs The Social Lounge, said: “The show is something that highlights that all of us, whether vulnerable or not, have hidden talents.

"It’s a big thing for the people that we support to be able to get up on stage the way they did. They spend a whole year rehearsing for it, and their efforts shone through. They were all stars”.

The show was compered by 15-year-old comedian Charlie Crothers who said: “I was just glad to get out of the house. I’ve been living with a woman for quite a while now. She’s a lot older than me. We just don’t get on at all. We argue all the time... it’s my mum”.

The show was devised, produced and directed by Tracey Brimelow. 

Audience member Julie Connolly said: “Made me laugh, made me cry, made me appreciate life and all that it has to offer. Top class show.”

For the cast and crew of The Social Lounge, Christmas may have come late this year, but rehearsals for next year haven’t, they start right away.