All Aboard shines on stage

TORQUAY’S All Aboard DisABILITY Support Services brought the community together last week for two performances of Shrek.

The showcase performance is put on by All Aboard performing arts group, The Drama Llamas, who work together with staff members to take the show to the stage.

All Aboard hold a stage show as a quarterly fundraising event, including all of the participants and giving each of them a role in puling the show together.

Months of dedication and collaboration went into putting the performance, with participants involved in every stage of the process from choosing the play through to making props and taking the stage.

All Aboard co-founder Kate Marshall said she felt a great deal of pride and emotion watching them on stage.

“There’s a story behind every face up there,” she said.

L-R: Savannah Hibbs performed a cartwheel as part of the performance. The Shrek performance was part of the organisations quarterly fundraising event. Photos: PETER MARSHALL

“I just know the guys so well and some of the challenges that they overcame to get themselves up where they were was so incredible.”

The feeling for participants once they got off the stage, was similar, celebrating their accomplishment and taking in the praise from supporters.

While audience members were treated to a heartfelt and entertaining performance, they also witnessed the many skills and personal growth developed by cast members.

Members of the Drama Llamas group were involved with all aspects of putting the show together from auditioning through to prop making.

Audience member Anne O’Brian said there were many laugh out loud moments, excitement, team energy and comrade.

“A joyful, fun-filled musical theatre extravaganza of Shrek, singing and dancing, fabulous costumes and sets and an obviously enjoyable experience for all involved.

“What an uplifting morning we had mixing with the colourful Shrek characters – from the fabulous Fiona to the pointed Pinocchio, charming and highly amusing Puss in Boots, the wonderful wolf, Donkey and many more.”

The Shrek performance was part of the organisations quarterly fundraising event.

Other audience members commented on the confidence that came from the stage and the display on inclusivity, collaboration and empowerment.

For Ms Marshall, the standout moment of the whole performance was the patience, encouragement and camaraderie among the performances and the laughter and applause coming from the crowd.