A theatre group for people with learning disabilities is staging a groundbreaking adaptation of John Steinbeck's Of Mice And Men.

Bradford-based mind the...gap has put together a new production which features an actor with learning disabilities playing the central character.

Lennie, who Steinbeck says in the original book "ain't bright", is played by Kevin Pringle. He is currently working with the company's Making Waves theatre apprenticeship programme.

Sally Bailey, mind the...gap's marketing officer, said: "For the first time, a professional learning disabled actor is playing Lennie, the learning disabled character in the story. The production brings a new dimension to the tragic story of George, the 'smart little guy', and Lennie and their dream of owning their own place and 'living off the fatta the lan'."

Of Mice And Men will open at the Alhambra Studio in Great Horton Road, Bradford, on February 11 before setting off on a national tour.

The adaptation was written by Mike Kenny, winner of a Writers' Guild of Great Britain award for his play Stepping Stones. "Of Mice And Men is a modern classic and adapting it has been a joy," he said.

Tim Wheeler, co-founder of mind the...gap, which is based in Queens Road, Bradford, said the production represented an exciting new development in its work. "It is the company's first production of a known piece of work and is the ideal vehicle to take the company into the mainstream of professional touring theatre."

The play also features Ysabell Collyer as Suzy and performance artist JC Jamma making his acting debut as George.

Performances are at 1.30pm and 8pm on February 11, 8pm on February 12 and 1.30pm on both February 14 and 15. For tickets ring (01274) 752000.

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