How it all began

The early years

When Tommy Jessop left school in 2004 he told his parents he wanted to be an actor. Tommy has Down’s Syndrome and finding an inclusive theatre close to his home proved to be a difficult task.

With the nearest theatre company for people with a learning disability in London, his mum Jane decided to set up an ambitious and inclusive theatre company locally for people with a learning disability, where every member would be equally valued.

Pilot classes were held in 2005 with over 50 people attending sessions. Blue Apple Theatre was later founded, as part of the local Mencap, with one part-time drama teacher supported by volunteers and held its first workshop in July 2005.

Jane explained: “I worked in business and marketing, not theatre, but actually that was a brilliant background as I could push the doors and raise the money, bringing in the people who knew what they were doing to direct the plays, although I did also very much enjoy directing a few shows when I had the opportunity and supporting rehearsals.

“I remember at the first rehearsal people coming up to me and saying ‘we are so lonely, so bored, we don’t have any friends.’ They were sitting in their rooms just watching television, apart from doing circuit training on Saturdays, they did little else.

“At the first workshop people came and they just stood in little islands and not talking, but then after a while they were like butterflies opening their wings. They made friends; became confident and started making plans together. It was wonderful to see.

“Right from the beginning, we were ambitious. We wanted to lift the ceiling of expectation and change the minds of the public about what they believed people with learning disabilities could do.

“I believe Blue Apple has done this. The plays and dance performances Blue Apple produces are performed to such high standards, members are very kind and supportive to one another and are such lovely, lively people – all of that helps other people understand that people with learning disabilities are just like everyone else. They have toured and been asked to perform all over the country and even overseas. I know that the people of Winchester and beyond are proud of them all.”

In 2009, Blue Apple employed its first Artistic Director Peter Clerke. He said: “It was brilliant from the start, the belief and the ability of everybody made it such a joy to work with people and see how they progressed.

“Blue Apple has a fantastic membership with great talent, ability and personality. The shows, over the past 15 years haven't, however, been created by 'magic'; they've been created by the skills and experience of a team of very dedicated and talented professional artists, working with that fantastic membership.”

Development

Blue Apple Theatre became an independent registered charity in 2013. The following year, it hired its first full-time manager. In 2021, the staff expanded to increase opportunities for people with learning disabilities and build creative communities across Hampshire. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Blue Apple introduced online classes and digital techniques to continue live productions. Online access remains available for those unable to attend in person.

A European collaboration started in 2021 and was deferred due to the Covid pandemic. The Be IN! (clusive) project was a collaboration between three European theatre companies for actors with learning disabilities, co-funded by an Erasmus+ programme to promote innovation through the exchange of best practices. The project aimed to break down stereotypes through theatre, offering new perspectives, fostering critical thinking, and encouraging self-development to impact societal change. Activities included workshops, screenings, stage performances, presentations, interviews, and discussions. Divadlo Aldente hosted the first festival in Brno, Czech Republic in May 2022, followed by Blue Apple in Winchester in October 2022, and a conference by Teatr 21 in Warsaw, Poland. Researchers from Rytmus posed Socratic questions about performance by learning-disabled artists, resulting in an exhibition in Brno in May 2023 and a multilingual book.

In 2022, Blue Apple launched an online Young Company and formed new partnerships with QE2 and Way Ahead’s Chestnut Theatre. In 2023, collaborations began with Forest Forge Theatre, Minstead Trust’s Hanger Farm Arts Centre, and Oak Lodge School and in 2024 with Mayflower Theatre.

Blue Apple Theatre is renowned in southern England for its high-quality productions, performing drama, dance, film, and song locally, nationally, and internationally. The company has produced over 38 shows, making classics accessible to people with learning disabilities and broadening audience appreciation.

Two performers took part of the Transforming Leadership Programme by Access All Areas Theatre, aimed at developing leadership roles for individuals with learning disabilities or autism.

Blue Apple Theatre is a leading UK theatre group for people with learning disabilities, challenging perceptions and contributing to public debate. The company focuses on clarity in communication and collaborative work, viewing all rehearsals as 'rehearsals for life.'

Minstead Trust and Blue Apple Theatre: Stronger Together 

In May 2025, Minstead Trust and Blue Apple Theatre became one charity. 

Together, we will build brighter futures for people with learning disabilities - supporting them to live independently, grow in confidence, and express themselves through the performing arts. 

One charity. Two proud identities. 

Blue Apple Theatre is a proud part of Minstead Trust with its own identity and creative spirit. 

Blue Apple continues to produce bold, inclusive performances led by artists with learning disabilities. Its work inspires audiences and aims to challenge perceptions across the UK. 

This partnership strengthens everything we do. It brings together high-quality social care, supported employment and creative expression, all under one roof. 

An exciting future 

By working as one: 

• More people can access the arts as a tool for confidence and independence. 

• Training in performance, stagecraft and digital media reaches more individuals. 

• New pathways into employment and community life are created through creative projects. 

• The voices of people with learning disabilities are heard more loudly - in local communities and on national stages.