A theatre company has moved into bigger premises with a purpose-built theatre in a town’s ‘arts quarter’.

The Big Soup Theatre Group plans a host of performances this year in the converted factory at the top of Russell Street, Keighley.

The new base is just yards from popular music venue the Exchange Arts Centre, Keighley Musicians Centre, youth arts group Small World and the New Variety Club.

Big Soup provides a host of theatre-based activities for adults with learning disabilities, including four separate acting groups catering for around 80 members.

There is also a rock choir, dance lessons, multimedia and recording sessions, visual arts classes, and vocational training in Big Soup’s fully-equipped kitchens and hair salon.

Big Soup leader Tracie Venyige said the group did not look at its service users as people with special needs, but instead focused on their abilities.

She said: “They have to do everything you do in a theatre – acting, dancing, singing, stage management, lighting, cleaning and putting out the chairs.

“It works because we have lots of people who want to come. The staff team are amazing. It’s about transforming lives by using theatre – doing rather than watching.”

For several years Big Soup was based in Springfield Mills on Oakworth Road, but outgrew its premises and needed somewhere with easier access.

Tracie said: “This building was perfect. It was a one-floor venue and we didn’t have to do a lot with it, just put a lot of love and paint into it. Staff and parents have helped.”

The centrepiece is a large room with a purpose-built, removable stage and a professional sound and light system.

The stage has been specifically designed for disabled people, including full wheelchair access both on and back-stage, and special markings to help visually-impaired actors find their way around.

Tracie said the room could be used for traditional stage performances, cabarets, parties and even weddings, adding: “We’re looking at activities for the wider community, and hiring out the facilities.”

Coming up during the winter are performances of Peter Pan, Mary Poppins and Grease, and a home-grown play entitled Big Fat John.

Big Soup will spend the spring and summer filming Hunted, their first thriller, about a killer loose on the St Ives estate in Harden.

Tracie said: “It’s deadly serious and scary. Normally our service users tend to go for something light, but this one is rather macabre.”

Visit bigsouptheatregroup.co.uk or call 01535 680155 for further information.