Hampshire’s multi-talented performer Ben Tyler sets sights on TV after stage success

Ben Tyler is a remarkably versatile and talented individual! Not only does he excel in sport, but he is also musically gifted and an accomplished performer.

Ben maintains an active lifestyle, regularly attending the gym, playing tennis competitively across the UK with the LTA, and having played county-level cricket.

In 2019, he won silver and bronze medals in tennis at the Special Olympics World Games in Abu Dhabi. This global movement promotes inclusion and community for all abilities.

In addition to his sporting achievements, Ben is musically talented, playing the drum kit and enjoying singing. He has an impressive ability to remember song lyrics and is a big fan of Take That and country singer Nathan Evans, particularly his version of "Wellerman."

Ben also shines in dance, performing with Blue Apple's Dance Group in Winchester. He recently participated in a video promoting The Big Movement, a dance event by ZoieLogic Dance Theatre in partnership with Solent Mind to raise awareness about men's mental health and tackle loneliness among men. The initiative encourages daily mental health strategies and promotes socialisation and positive wellbeing. Ben stays focused on his performance and the instructor to avoid distractions.

Ben’s passion for performance extends to acting. He performs with Blue Apple's Special Assignments Company (SAC), known for their unique and visually striking live art at events like the Winchester Hat Fair. This year, SAC is creating a nine-foot 'Jane Austen Living Statue' puppet with The New Carnival Company, and Ben will be the puppeteer leading the parade at Hat Fair.

In February, Ben performed on stage at The Chesil Theatre in "Cake" by Victoria Buse, directed by Marcus Whitfield. The play, part of a series based on the theme of Snakes and Ladders, features a young boy with Down's syndrome and explores the complexities of relationships when his condition is hidden. Peter Nicholson praised Ben's performance, saying, “The superb performances from young Ben Tyler and Arthur Wood prove that the future of the company is in safe hands.”

Ben, who has Down’s syndrome, has acquired an impressive array of skills through his involvement in sport, drama and dance.

Ben’s mum Jo said: “He’s always had great pleasure from training, performing and competing and his self-esteem just rockets. He’s hugely confident on stage or on the tennis court, has no nerves whatsoever and I think it makes him feel stronger.  He started dancing  seriously when he was at Alton College and then when he was 16 he took up drama and street dance at Blue Apple.  As the youngest of nine children, he's been brought up exactly like all the rest and I've expected people to take him on and expected him to keep up and the coaches have been amazed and proud of what he’s achieved.”

Ben currently works as an assistant chef at YMCA Fairthorne Manor and at Brendoncare, where he also enjoys delivering food to the residents. But Ben's ultimate dream is to become a TV or film actor. He said, "I want to be an inspector in Death in Paradise – a TV crime drama series."

Blue Apple’s Associate Director Rebecca Godden said: “Keep an eye on this emerging talent. Ben’s hard work and dedication make him a true inspiration.”

Below: Ben Tyler poses for the camera at Blue Apple.