A Lecturer at City of Westminster College, André Pink, is the Director and Facilitator of a special pantomime production of Cinderella at the Cockpit theatre, with a cast made up entirely of elderly residents local to Westminster.

In his role as part of the Supported Learning department at City of Westminster College’s Maida Vale campus, André ensures students with special educational needs and disabilities develop the crucial skills they need to thrive. This experience has largely influenced his approach to teaching drama in his workshops for the over 60s, which he has been running for the past eight years at Church Street Library, Westminster.

André’s theatre company Dendê Collective create joyful, inclusive arts projects with and for the Westminster community. The year-round Drama for Elders programme has engaged hundreds of older residents over the past eight years through free weekly drama sessions, community performances, and opportunities for creative expression at any age. Prior to this latest production, André staged a version of Cinderella with Supported Learning students from the College of North West London, which he says was great inspiration for the production this Christmas at the Cockpit.

André said: “My experience at college has shaped the way I work: creating spaces that are inclusive, patient, playful and safe for people to take creative risks. Although my elders’ group and my SEND learners are different communities, the heart of the work is the same: giving people the tools and encouragement to express themselves fully.”

Cinderella, written by Janet Locke, an 89-year-old member of the Church Street Elders Drama Group, has been joyfully reimagined with both scripted and improvised scenes. It will be performed at Cockpit Theatre which is part of United Colleges Group.

You can catch Cinderella at 7pm on Saturday 20th December and 3pm on Sunday 21st December for free at Cockpit Theatre, Marylebone (tickets here, booking essential).