OVER THE RAINBOw

A project created by Hackney Empire and Hackney Shed that took place over 7 weeks via zoom workshops as part of the Discover Young Hackney Festival.

Over the Rainbow is about two young people who journey over the rainbow in search gold. On their journey they encounter different lands and people and have to overcome obstacles to reach their goal.

The Over the Rainbow company have worked together to create new scenes, songs and artwork to tell their story. We hope you enjoy watching it as much as we enjoyed making it!

Thank you to everyone who was part of the project and well done to the amazing cast and team! Rainbow and Gold illustrations by Dami, member of the Over The Rainbow Company.

About the project: Limitless is a creative project for 14-25 year olds with SEND and/or neurodiversities. This year Hackney Empire and Hackney Shed collaborated to bring together young people from Huddleston Centre and Hackney Shed Collective to develop a piece of work online over 7 weeks of summer.

2020’s Limitless project was funded by Hackney Council, Children in Need, Discover Young Hackney and Awards for All.

What People Say About Hackney Shed

Testimonials

It's non competitive and encourages cooperation, collaboration and celebration of people's differing strengths.

Hackney Shed doesn't just support children and young people the benefits spill over to parents and carers too, especially around well being, knowing the 'shed' members are being well catered for.

“Hackney Shed provides a unique service to communities across Hackney which is financially accessible (unlike others). It's format is vital in respect of social cohesion and providing space for the development of young people in a way which is non judgemental and inclusive”

A really fun drama space where you could feel safe and comfortable expressing ideas. I've met so many cool people I wouldn't have without this.

Hackney Shed is a marvellous, shining example of genuine, meaningful inclusion.

“It is a rare and valuable opportunity to meet and make friends, socialise, develop his independence and feel rightly proud of himself”

“Hackney Shed is great and continues to wow - great for kids and parents.”

“Great energy. Inclusive for all. Creative teaching which allows children/young people opportunities to gain confidence”

"The best thing is that we have a proper theatre, with lights and costumes and musicians and everything, so when we do a show it feels like a real show, not just kids.”

"Hackney Shed enriches my child's life on so many levels. She is not only learning theatre skills, but so much more. She is learning about community and co-operation, and is gaining in confidence and self-worth."

"As a parent with a child with special needs I value the inclusivity over and above everything. This is from the point of view both of how good it is for him to feel included and valued but also from the point of view of my other two children who are able to see him and others with special needs being on an equal footing."

"We have been Hackney residents for nearly 20 years and have been very proud to find such an excellent opportunity for all children right on our doorstep."