Katie Caryer worked with Haringey Shed 2006-2008. 

“I first joined Haringey Shed on a youth theatre summer school. I was asked to shadow the professional writer who had come to work on the script. It was a wonderful opportunity for a young budding playwright like me. Those 2 weeks changed me somehow because I wanted a career in community theatre and it became clear that this was a real possibility if people could believe in me as an able writer who just happens to ride a wheelchair and communicate with an electronic talker.”

Tanya Smith has been with Shed for 11 years and has been a member of both Children’s & Youth Theatre

I am writing to thank you and your team formally for all the wonderful work you have done for my Downs Syndrome daughter Tanya. 

Tanya is now 19 years old and she has come in leaps and bounds since joining the Shed at the age of 8.  A complete transformation has been noticed in Tanya and everyone sees her as the inspiring actress she has become.  The main part/role of any performance for Tanya is the dance routine and she spends hours in her bedroom perfecting her different moves.  She looks forward to attending and seeing her friends on Tuesdays and it has now got to the stage that the girls will run outside just to take Tanya off my hands quickly.  As a parent with a special needs child, it brings a lot of joy in my family and entire environment due to the dedicated work at the Shed.

Moya Bethune is a member of Shed’s Youth Theatre

I have recently joined the Haringey shed and I must say I was very impressed, and this was only on my first day. Seeing the facilities they have here was enough to say to myself ‘this is the place is where I want to be, they have a lot to offer. On my first day of actually being with the group I was straight away involved in the rehearsals and had I a part to play… I can put my hands up and say the other drama clubs/schools I have been to have not impressed me the way I was with the Haringey shed let alone give me a part in the show straight away. Haringey shed has touched my heart with their equal opportunities for everyone.

Gordan Keenan’s sons have both been members of our Children’s Theatre

Haringey Shed is a fantastic charity set up to cater for children & young adults of all abilities and disabilities in the field of drama & theatre. It is open to children/young people across Haringey & if ever you want to see a in one glance a photofit of Haringey's diversity and range of young people striving to learn & expand their boundaries then a training performance or show of these kids is the place to go.

My oldest boy Benjamin, is nine and has mild cerebral palsy, He has been going along to Haringey Shed for the last 2 years or so via weekly workshops. He thoroughly enjoys the workshops and the inclusive & attentive approach of the young drama coaches who put so much effort in and have helped him to stretch himself and become just that essential bit more self confident through performance training etc. 

It's a remarkable, children focused organisation. They are our future. My son has got lots from it & i would commend it to you on two grounds 1) because it is an all inclusive charity investing in our future and 2) because I've never seen anyone - child or parent - leave a performance or training session without a smile on their face.  

Susie Mckenna is a professional actress, writer & director. She is Associate Director of the Hackney Empire.

“To work with such a diversity of young talent is a real privilege and the opportunity to help them achieve their goals is hugely satisfying. More than anything, however, is the fun we have. The staff at Haringey Shed are extremely dedicated and skilful in the way they support both the participants and the theatre professionals working on the shows. Quite simply, I wouldn’t miss working with Haringey Shed for the world.”

Warren Wills is a composer, pianist and musical director who has worked on a number of hit West End shows lus Haringey Shed summer theatres.

“ Haringey Shed has been a revelation to me. I have had the opportunity to work with hundreds of children & young people of many ages, races & abilities. What they have in common is a boundless enthusiasm and appreciation for the many attractions of musical theatre combined with a willingness to share and take collective responsibility. It has been a privelge to watch their self esteem grow as a result of their involvement with Haringey Shed. Many of those who benefit might otherwise be excluded from the fun & excitement of being actively involved in the performing arts.”