Farted on with glitter

Zack and his pals (Harry and Cameron) went to The Lowry on Saturday to watch Home. It promised to be a show that incorporated sensory interaction created especially for audiences with PMLD (Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities). We were not disappointed.

We had an absolute ball. What a fully interactive, immersive, engaging performance from Frozen Light Theatre. You can read all about them on their website, it is clear to me that they have a very good understanding of how to engage with people who have PMLD.

I am still gobsmacked at how good they were, it's the first time I have been to an event that completely and utterly captured what it means to reach out to someone like my son. The performance blended all five senses, we didn't just watch we felt it, we heard it, we could smell it and we could touch it. To Zack that is conversation, that is interaction and that is bringing the world to him. 

The story follows two characters stranded within a desolate world ravaged by sand storms left behind to fend for themselves. It touches upon fear, hope, survival, friendship. I mean if I wanted to deeply explore these themes that's possibly the life span of a special needs parent.

We move through their journey and in a variety of creative mediums we become part of the performance. Within the first two minutes we looked like we had been farted on with glitter by Guy Diamond. Then we got to sniff some rather pleasant smelling clothing items. Lovely.

There were bubbles, more smells, flavoured water sprayed on tongues, some weird contraption that made massive long foam bubbles. Zack loved it all. 

The best part was when they came round and asked each child their name incorporating it into song. Repeating their name over and over again. In fact, can I point out that not only were the cast talented but they also managed to memorise each child's name throughout the time we were there. I mean I can just about remember my name at the best of times. 

And lets not forget the talented chap who played a plethora of instruments. He came round with guitars and saxophones and gongs. Again a massive tick in the box for engagement. 

You see what they set out to achieve is to reach those who don't ordinarily get to see or experience live theatre and they did it and then some. 

To me they are leaders in their field. Massive standing ovation. Loved it.

By the way, Zack's wheelchair still looks like it's gone ten rounds with a gold glitter gun but we don't mind it was totally worth it. 

Wake up theatre world, take note, we need more of this. 

*Special thank you to Yasha and Sarah for letting me steal their photographs.

You ever searched for a foxes tail on ebay?

Yesterday was World Book Day.

World Book Day is officially a thing. I think it became a definite thing a few years back, but now it is a definite thing, rather than just a casual thing.

I know this because supermarkets now stock up on character costumes at least eight weeks prior to the event.

I quite like World Book Day. I like books and I think if it creates more interest in books for children then that's no bad thing.

What is bad is the fact that you now have to add in another costume outfit to your already busy schedule of general costume/craft/baking/Easter frigging bonnet making itinerary throughout the year. 

My two went in as Fantastic Mrs Fox and a blue bear that gives out free hugs (I made that last bit up, but he had received the outfit as a birthday gift and it came in useful). 

That Mrs Fox though! I tried to suggest she went as Veruca Salt, easy costume, golden egg, done. She certainly has the temperament nailed. 

Oh, no. It was Mrs Fox. This equates to one yellow dress, painting on red apples, finding a fox mask and painting that because the one off ebay didn't arrive as it's from pigging China!

Lastly finding a foxes tail. You ever searched for a foxes tail on ebay?  No, neither have I. But this is what you discover when you search foxes tail.......(clicked on the link, because I'm not putting that picture on here!)

Huh.

Yep.

Look if that's what people are into, well, fine. And I'm not usually surprised by things but wow. Okay.

Obviously that was an unsuitable tail so back to my search which finally lead to some fur detachable collar off my coat folded in half and pinned to a belt. Job done. 

So yes, World Book Day, a great idea. A pain in the arse for me. (Sorry I couldn't help that.)

Say that without taking a breath

Say cheeeeeesssse. Zack's been to the dentist. 


We only visit the dentist at Alder Hey now. We used to go to the main dental place in Warrington and they were good but lets be honest, how many kids are they going to see like Zack?


Zack's teeth have never been, normal. But then again, Zack isn't text book is he? He got all his baby teeth except one top one that never appeared, probably couldn't be arsed to make an appearance. We had an X ray done of the missing tooth and it turns out there is an adult one there waiting to hatch.


Is hatch the right term for teeth coming through? 

Anyway, Zack, like most things with him takes his time with teeth. His gums are very thick and swollen. Dentists seem to think that this is due to the epilepsy medicine that he takes whereas the neurologist thinks it's nothing to do with that. I just think his teeth are lazy like him. 

He's lost a few of his baby teeth and grown some quite admirable front teeth. The bottom two seem to be at war with each other, one coming up straight the other twisted.

As you can imagine every six months when we visit the dentist I regurgitate a one minute monologue that goes along these lines.....
"Well, he's lost another two, but I'm worried that there isn't any coming through, and his gums seem really thick. And then there's that twisted one at the bottom, I mean what about the gums, how will the teeth come through. Are this ridges at the bottom normal.....is it normal?"

There say that without taking a breath.

As always the dentist is very patient with me. In fact, he's a really good dentist. He should have his own children's tv show. Like that good looking doctor on CBeebies, the one that tells those weird puppets about tummy bugs.

When I went this time after my outburst, I looked round at Zack to see he had turned to face me and I swear to God the look on his face was one of, Jesus mum, will you relax. 

Turns out I still don't need to worry, everything is as it should be and all quite normal.

NORMAL

We don't get that very often. And when that word is used in a sentence with Zack it kind of throws you a bit. But yes, all the teeth are coming in the right order, he may be slightly behind by a year (but what's new there), all good, all fine.

Off we left, happy that all was good in teeth world. 

We didn't get a sticker though.....we'd like a sticker. Do they still do stickers saying I've been a brave girl?