Fairy tales come to life at inclusive Taplow Christmas concert

Fairy tales came to life in Taplow last week at a Christmas choir performance that celebrated the voices of people living with disabilities.

More than 50 people turned out to enjoy Thames Valley Adventure Playground’s (TVAP) Community Choir pantomime-themed show on December 19.

TVAP, based in Bath Road, is a charity that has supported children and adults with disabilities, and their families, for more than 40 years.

Its community outreach coordinator Lucie Grange, who helps run the choir, said the show went ‘really well’ and the performers had ‘loved’ their moment in the spotlight.

"The performance wasn’t just about the music, but also about the confidence-building journey each performer had embarked upon,” she added.

“For many of the choir members, this stage was their opportunity to overcome personal challenges and demonstrate their talents to a supportive and encouraging crowd."

Many of the more than 20-strong choir, some of whom live with speech and visual disabilities, performed solo renditions of their favourite songs.

The choir was also bolstered this year by family members and carers.

This year’s performance retold the story of teddy bear character TVAP Ted, as she visited her wide range of friends to invite them all for a party.

The show began with choir members emerging from behind a giant fairy tale book, many dressed as fantasy characters like Snow White and Cruella De Vil.

Months of practice paid off for the choir performers, with highlights from the show including a rendition of Little Wooden Head from Pinocchio as well as Heigh Ho from Snow White.

Beverley Grange, Lucie’s mum and choir co-founder, said: "Our choir is all about inclusion and helping everybody reach their full potential, whilst basically having fun."

For more information about the choir email lucie@tvap.co.uk and for more about TVAP visit its website at: tvap.co.uk