Cinderella cast brings festive magic to adults with learning disabilities at Duckyls Farm

The performers arrived in full costume, entertaining everyone with songs from the show, festive Christmas carols, and plenty of pantomime sparkle. The visit brought excitement and joy to Duckyls Farm, a 100-acre site set in beautiful countryside near East Grinstead, home to both Diagrama Community Services at Duckyls Farm and Diagrama Care Home at Duckyls Farm.

David McGuire, Chief Executive of Diagrama Foundation said: “The visit from the Cinderella cast was absolutely wonderful. Their warmth, energy, and generosity created an unforgettable festive experience for the adults we support. Moments like these mean so much to our community, and we are extremely grateful to the cast and the team at Chequer Mead Theatre for making this magical afternoon possible.”

Sophie who attends the Community Services at Duckyls Farm said: “I loved it. All of it. I haven't smiled like that in ages. It was good to talk to the actors - you don't normally get to talk to them one to one.”

The Chequer Mead Theatre’s festive production of Cinderella runs until 4 January 2026. There will be a relaxed performance on 20 December for people who benefit from a more supportive, less rigid environment, including those with autism, learning disabilities, or sensory sensitivities.

Callum Donnelly, who plays Buttons said: We've had an amazing time coming down to Ducklys Farm. It's so important for a pantomime company to do this sort of thing because pantomime is all about community and local communities feel a lot of ownership over their own pantomime. We have loved coming to Ducklys Farm, we've loved being shown around all the animals, we've loved having a singsong, we've loved playing some games and it's just been an absolute pleasure and we 100% will be back.”

Duckyls Farm provides both day opportunities and residential care for adults with learning disabilities, physical and sensory impairments, acquired brain injury, and autism. Diagrama Community Services atDuckyls Farm is a day care provision for people with a learning disability, physical and sensory impairment, acquired brain injury and/or autism and Diagrama Care Home at Duckyls Farm offers residential and supported living.

The unique farm setting allows the charity to explore the physical, mental, and social benefits that working with animals and spending time in nature can offer to people with a learning disability, while also helping individuals develop skills that promote independence, healthy living, and access to employment.

For more information about Duckyls Farm and Diagrama Foundation’s services, please visit: www.diagramafoundation.org.uk

If you’d like to support the residents at Duckyls Farm, you can help by purchasing an item from their Amazon Wishlist: https://linktr.ee/diagramaamazonwishlist. Every contribution, big or small, helps enhance the daily lives of the people we support.