Seven Prior's Court young people enjoyed a memorable and sensory-rich Christmas experience during a visit to Reading Rep Theatre, where they took part in a relaxed, sensory-based tour alongside a performance of A Christmas Carol.

Ryan, Amar, Levi, Felix, Daniel, Brandon and Alfie were supported to grasp the opportunity of experiencing theatre in a new and supportive environment. The visit the group apply familiar skills built so far at Prior's Court, and in Piper Arts Centre in particular, in a different setting.

Exploring theatre, creativity and choice

The day began with a technical theatre experience, where the young people explored lighting and sound used in Reading Rep’s Christmas production. This was followed by a backstage visit, where they tried on costumes and took part in a creative mask-making activity. It was wonderful to see each young person freely choosing colours and materials, working alongside one another and sharing resources. For Ryan and Amar, this was a particularly meaningful achievement, as it was their first time taking part in an activity alongside the five young adults from Charlotte House.

There was clear happiness and engagement throughout the costume exploration. Young people independently selected items they wanted to wear, expressing preferences in ways that felt right for them. Daniel communicated through gesture that he would like to try on a costume worn by a peer, while Amar confidently chose a costume piece for a member of staff to wear, creating moments of shared connection and enjoyment.

Experiences like this play an important role in supporting the autistic young people with complex needs at Prior's Court to build confidence, communication and independence through creativity and shared experiences. Thank you to all the staff who supported the young people on this trip and helped make the day such a positive and inclusive experience.

Building confidence through the Piper Arts Centre

The visit to Reading Rep Theatre built on skills the young people have been developing through sessions at the Piper Arts Centre, our on-site creative arts facility. The Piper Arts Centre offers structured, supportive opportunities to explore music, drama, dance and visual arts, helping young people engage with creativity in ways that feel meaningful and accessible to them.

Through regular creative activities, autistic young people with complex needs are supported to develop communication, self-expression, independence and confidence at their own pace. Taking these skills beyond Priors Court and into the wider community helps reduce anxiety around unfamiliar environments and supports learning through real-world experiences.

Read more Piper Arts Centre updates