The Cosgrove Players had a world premier of their fantastic film- Cinderella on 21 March 2023 in the Ballroom at the Redhurst Hotel in Clarkston.
It was a glittering, red carpet event, attended by friends, families, Board members, staff, volunteers and funders. The evening was hosted by our Co-Chair, Donny Lyons who introduced the event, welcomed guests and performers and spoke eloquently about the significance of the film, the work of Cosgrove Care and the links with Human Rights.
Donny said
‘It was a privilege to take part in the premier of Cinderella. Cosgrove Care is proud of its record of promoting the rights of persons with disability. One of those rights, quoting from the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, is “the opportunity to develop and utilise their creative, artistic and intellectual potential, not only for their own benefit but also for the enrichment of society.” The actors in the film inspired and enriched everyone who was there. It was an experience I will treasure all my life.’
The Cosgrove Players film was directed by Clare Hume, Drama Facilitator who has worked with Cosgrove Care and our talented Cosgrove Players for 11 years. The film was professionally produced by Helena Ohman. The Cosgrove Players are all people supported by Cosgrove Care who have developed their performance skills, built confidence and performed over a number of years.
The Cosgrove Players, found ways to keep Drama alive during the pandemic. They made the best out of a bad situation. They met for group Drama sessions via Zoom, had Zoom Masterclasses to work on acting skills, some of members even had one-to-one drama sessions in the garden. But nothing could make up for the group not being together in our Drama room, and for not being able to perform for an audience.
Clare Hume, Drama Facilitator said:
‘Cinderella was a production which started, just as the restrictions of COVID were beginning to ease, we thought it would be a joyful way to celebrate being together again. It didn’t quite work out that way. We were allowed to meet but only in small numbers, some of us were still shielding and attending Drama via Zoom. And, just when we thought normality was around the corner, restrictions were tightened, yet again!
Would life, and drama, ever go back to how they once were? We allowed ourselves to feel the sadness of the situation only momentarily, we are not ones for giving up. There was nothing else for it, a solution had to be found. And so, the idea, in line with restrictions, to make our own film, was born. We are just so glad to be able to share it with all present on 21 March 2023.
Just like Cinderella, we had been faced with adversity but we never gave up. And, just like Cinderella, it all became good in the end.’
The film was incredible and many of the families and friends were moved by the performance and the tale of triumph over adversity.
We are very grateful to our staff, Cosgrove Players, volunteers and Creative Scotland for making the creation of the film possible.
If you are interested in joining Cosgrove Players and being part of this incredible group- please contact on care@cosgrovecare.org.uk.