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Following this production, which was performed at the Lowry on 15th and 16th May, we are delighted with this 4 star review by Philip Radcliffe of the Manchester Evening News.

Christopher Eccleston has swopped a starring role in Dr Who for a supporting role here.  As a patron of the Celebrity Pig Theatre Company, a group of learning disabled actors from South Manchester, he acts as narrator.  Under artistic director Caroline Clegg, the company has hevised an inventive take on the tale of the star-crossed lovers.  The Capulet semi in Wythenshawe in not far from Montague House, a residential care centre.  The lovers meet at a glittering masked-ball of a birthday party for Juliet, and when her father gives in to her desire for a short stay at Montague House, their fate is sealed.  On a bare stage with slides projected for  locations, the 20 strong cast play out a version both funny and touching.  They manage to get across a pointed commentary on the regulation and red tape involved for people who endure a lack of choice and control.  Indeed, the play is re-titled Romeo & Juliet: A Question of Choice.  It is performed with real heart and honesty by the group, bolstered by professional actors, one of whom, Robert Maxfield, holds th show together as Juliet's dad, as well as a piano accompanist.  Andrew Brown is a spirited Romeo and Valerie Hughes, who does the talking for Juliet (Julie Sheridan)as her companion, impresses.  But essentially this is a group achievement.  Romeo and Juliet will never be quite the same again!


Celebrity Pig were set up in 1997.  They are a group of actors with learning disabilities.

Celebrity Pig used to be supported by the Manchester Learning Disability Partnership, but decided that they wanted more independence.  

Manchester MENCAP has agreed to act as an ‘umbrella’ organisation.  until the company become a charity in their own right.

For more information about Celebrity Pig contact Manchester MENCAP using the contact details on the Home Page  or look at their own website www.celebritypig.org.uk.