Unique theatre show brings new audiences to Ickworth estate

The National Trust team at Ickworth Estate have recently welcomed an entirely new visitor experience in the form of Frozen Light.

Based in Norwich, Frozen Light (pictured above) creates a multi-sensory theatre experiences for people with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities (PMLD).

Earlier this month they brought their outdoor production of “Night Out in Nature” to the Ickworth estate.

“Night Out in Nature” is a story about a group of scientists who have lived inside a biodome nurturing the Blostma, a plant that only flowers under a full moon every 12 years.

Over four days, nine performances were enjoyed by people with PMLD and their families and or carers. Designed to provide a full sensory experience, the show is fully interactive with props and allows each person to engage in their own way.

Ickworth estate regularly hosts outdoor theatre shows but the Frozen Light production is the first time such an inclusive theatre experience has visited Ickworth.

Amber Onat Gregory, artistic director and joint CEO of Frozen Light, said: “It’s been such a privilege to perform in the beautiful setting of Ickworth estate and the surrounding landscape just adds to the sensory experience of the set.

“Being outdoors is a new experience for us as we are used performing in indoor theatres, so the outdoor space allowed our audience to have more space to go to if they were feeling overwhelmed and just needed a break but were still able to see the production and come back when they felt ready.

“Being situated front and centre of the Rotunda and very visible to other visitors in this beautiful place shows that everyone matters, are seen and are a part of society.”

For many families, it was their first time visiting the Ickworth estate, with one parent remarking that their cultural experiences were usually indoors, so the freedom of fresh air is different and feels so much better being outdoors in nature.

Another parent explained how their son understands the outdoors and could feel the wind and respond to the trees around the set. Both families also visited the house and enjoyed experiencing the grandeur of the rooms, the objects and were able to explore in their own ways.