Awe-inspiring children and adult performers with autism are set to wow public audiences with their acts at the Autism’s Got Talent (AGT) Roadshow on Saturday 29th June at the St Ives Theatre, Cornwall. From music to magic, this unique event will showcase a dazzling array of talent and will demonstrate what people with autism are capable of. Seats are selling fast, so book now to be part of an unforgettable evening!
Flying the flag for autism and celebrating success, AGT was created by Anna Kennedy OBE, Autism Ambassador for Options Autism, one of the key joint sponsors of the event, who provide care and education to children, young people and adults with autism. “AGT provides an amazing – and incredibly moving – opportunity for those with autism to shine and celebrate success,” said Graham Baker, CEO of Options Autism. “Recognising and nurturing the unique strengths of individuals is key to unlocking their potential and we are proud to support this leading charity and autism event.”
Now in its seventh year, AGT has grown into a phenomenal success. VIP guests at this year’s show will include Katie Price, whose 16-year old son Harvey will be making his stage debut with a keyboard performance. Harvey – who has severe autism, a rare complex genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome and is partially blind – has been playing the keyboard since the age of four and was inspired to audition after watching Autism’s Got Talent earlier this year at The Mermaid Theatre in London.
Fans of magic will be treated to a spellbinding performance by 34-year old magician Jono Blythe from Hayle, Cornwall. Jono, who has been fascinated by magic since the age of four when he started watching Paul Daniels on the television, has a degree in theatre studies from Falmouth University. A proud member of magic circle, he worked as a demonstrator for Marvin’s Magic and now travels the UK with his stage show.
Among the other amazing acts will be the musically gifted Lakhile Dlamini, 11, who can play a song after hearing it just once, and singer Charlotte Fieldson, 23, who was non-verbal until she was five years old when she suddenly began singing to Sleeping Beauty. Both enjoyed performing at AGT so much that they are returning for a second year running.
Unique in its format, AGT does not feature live auditions; instead, each year, sensational singers, dancers, musicians and magicians, comedians and gymnasts who are on the autistic spectrum send in an audition video. The selection process is very successful and has kick-started some glittering careers. Autism With Attitude, the award-winning street dance group from Hillingdon Manor School, part of Options Autism, showcased at AGT in 2013 and have since achieved phenomenal success in international mainstream competitions, and recently appeared on BBC One’s The Greatest Dancer.
Describing the event, Anna Kennedy, OBE, said, “Autism’s Got Talent is growing year by year. It is a fantastic opportunity for those with autism to get up on stage and really show what they can do. We have had participants from Croatia, Canada and the USA and have also showcased world class gymnasts and artists who have appeared on the X-Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. People with autism of all ages are making history, showing that autism need be no barrier to success.”
The event will be hosted by the award-winning youth theatre company, Kidz R Us. Based in St Ives and founded by Philip Barnet, the group is committed to supporting children and young people in the performing arts. Director, Philip Barnett, received a British Empire Medal in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List 2012.
For tickets please visit https://kidzrus.net/autism-got-talent-2/
Options Autism, part of Outcomes First Group, runs a specialist supported living service in Cornwall for individuals with learning disabilities, autistic spectrum conditions and any associated mental health needs. CQC rated Good, ‘Options Kernow’ offers a personalised, flexible service which is tailored to meet individual needs and provides support with learning independent living skills such as household management and budgeting, as well as encouraging individuals to take an active part in their community and accessing mainstream leisure pursuits, day centres, colleges, adult education classes, or supported employment.
For more information on Options Kernow, please visit: www.optionsautism.co.uk/options-kernow/
Outcomes First Group is the portfolio company for Hillcrest Children’s Services and Options Autism and Learning Difficulties. The group was formed in May 2013 and collectively has been operating for over 40 years. It holds the quality of its services in the highest regard with 94% of our services rated as Outstanding, Good or Fully Compliant. The group provides care and education to children, young people and adults with autism, complex needs, learning disabilities and social, emotional and mental health needs (SEMH).
For more information visit www.outcomesfirstgroup.co.uk.
