During the lockdown, Rollercoaster Theatre diversified its artistic practice, working with the ensemble through the challenging medium of Zoom. Sparking potent and meaningful creative interactions during isolation was critical.

Continuing these sessions proved essential for the actors and their carers/families. The focus was to provide purposeful engagement, using creativity to comprehend and support the anxiety surrounding COVID-19. Of paramount importance was creating a safe environment to address the debilitating social isolation many experienced. For most, these sessions were their only form of social interaction outside the home and were crucial for mental health and well-being.

The work that emerged from these sessions explored the responses of world leaders to the global pandemic. Poignant and funny, it served as both a parody and a commentary on this time, seen through the eyes of the actors. Developed for social media platforms, this project challenged broadly held misconceptions of disability within the vast reach of popular culture.

Watch the video below to witness the creativity and resilience of the Rollercoaster ensemble in Pollie Project.

Devised and Performed by the Rollercoaster ensemble

Directed by Sarah Sutherland

Assisted by Carolyn Bock and Maddie Nunn

Music and Editing by Tim Knowles