Anna Kennedy OBE has announced the Autism’s Got Talent line up for 2014 – The popular show returns to The Mermaid Theatre on May 10. The show is created by Anna Kennedy OBE, her UK autism charity Anna Kennedy Online, and is supported by Pineapple Performing Arts School.
Autism’s Got Talent showcases the diverse and superb talents of people on the autistic spectrum.
Anna Kennedy tells of what Autism’s Got Talent is all about:
“It is all too often said that people with disabilities aren’t capable of very much, and they are unable to rise about the challenges that they are faced. Autism’s Got Talent is a platform for talented individuals with autism to wow the audience and show off their skills and talents. We not only have soloists, but people also perform in groups, which is something many people are quick to judge as impossible for those on the spectrum. Not only are these talented, amazing individuals proving their critics wrong, they are also having fun and achieving so much!”
The show includes talent from people of all ages, including actors, singers, musicians and dancers. Many acts will include those who sat in the audience last year and have been inspired to perform themselves.
Various organisations across the UK are supporting Autism’s Got Talent. Anna Kennedy herself, will even be treating the audience to a tap dancing routine with her fellow Tap for Fun tappers and Michael John French.
Celebrity hosts David Grant, Dr Pam Spurr and Britain got Talent Finalist Steve Hewlett and many more will also be part of the line up.
Acts will be travelling from all over the UK, and the world, which not only proves how popular Autism’s Got Talent is becoming, but how important a platform such as this one is to those on the spectrum.
Anna Kennedy says:
“It is extremely important that people with autism have an outlet. Autism’s Got Talent is a safe and secure environment where those who want to, can express and perform without fear of being judged or criticised. Autism’s Got Talent is one of a kind, and is extremely poignant to those with autism and their families. Those involved can have fun, do what they love, make friends and be themselves, and have one night which is all about them.”
Autism’s Got Talent 2013 was a great success and Anna Kennedy hopes to build upon its success and make this show this year even more spectacular.
“2013 was a great success, and we aim to continue to build Autism’s Got Talent year by year. As well as London, we also have the Autism’s Got Talent Roadshow, which travels to different cities and theatres throughout the country. This provides those and their families who are unable to make it to London with the opportunity to perform and get involved. We really are including the entire autistic community.”
The full list of acts performing are as follows:
West London Community College – Middlesex – students 18 plus – acting
Joseph Ferris – Northampton – age 14 singer
Alfie Anderson- Sudbury Suffolk – age 11 – plays the drums
Ryan Wiggins – Watford – age 13 -sings and plays guitar
Jordan Stratham & Oscar Bell – age 17/18 Stourbridge – singing and rapping
Pineapple Performing Arts School London– all ages – dancing
Hillingdon Manor School pupils Middlesex– all ages – dancing
Jake Chodosh – London Artist age 19
Lucy Clapham Bedfordshire age 25 – singing
Alice Jordan Bishop Auckland age 14 singing
Radlett Lodge School- Herts pupils singing/ dancing age 14/15
Matthew Scott – clarinet Bromley age 22
Tap for Fun’ plus Anna Kennedy OBE and Michael French – tap dancing all over 18 !
Bernadetta Ticchi age 21 percussionist Italy
Caitlin and Emma Lowry from Northern Ireland – singers
Caitlin Churcher Dorset age 12 gymnastics
Callum Abbiss – Nottingham – singer age 23
Joshua Beckford – Tottenham – age 9 – little Einstein
If you would like to attend Autism’s Got Talent on May 10th, at the Mermaid Theatre, London, please email Lisa.robins@thevines.org.uk.
More information can be found on the website