Introduction

Heydays

Community Network

Beautiful Octopus Club

Dandy Lion Club

Beautiful octopus club

The original club night run by and for people with learning disabilities.

The Beautiful Octopus Club is a friendly, inclusive and accessible club night celebrating the culture of people with learning disabilities. The club is run by a group of adults with learning disabilities, the Leeds Octopus Crew, with support from staff at West Yorkshire Playhouse.

Each club night has its own theme and fancy dress is encouraged. Previous themes have included A Pirate Adventure, The Wild West, High School Prom, 1970s Disco, An Invitation to the Ball and A Night at the Circus. The welcoming and friendly atmosphere is unique and there are lots of opportunities to get involved on the night – dress up in costume, join in with our dance sessions, sing your favourite song on the open mic slot, or simply show off on the dance floor while the Octopus DJs play their top tunes! There is even a chill out zone with relaxing massage on offer for those who want to take it easy.

Beautiful Octopus Club is a large scale event attracting between 500 and 600 clubbers. We do not offer one-to-one support at these events and anyone requiring one-to-one support should attend with a support worker, parent or carer.

Tickets are £6.50 if purchased in advance from West Yorkshire Playhouse Box Office or £7.50 if purchased at Leeds University Union on the night.

There are no discounts and everybody pays whether they have a learning disability or not, as we believe the inclusive nature of this event is of equal value to all our guests.

View images from the last Beautiful Octopus night here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/sarabrooksphotography/sets/72157623709721433/

Images by Sara Brooks

The Leeds octopus crew

Made up of adults with learning disabilities, the Crew takes part in workshops at West Yorkshire Playhouse learning DJ and MC skills, visual arts, live music and club décor. They also gain valuable work-based training from the Production, Front-of-House and Marketing Departments at the Playhouse. With the support of West Yorkshire Playhouse staff the crew develop the skills to run regular club nights.

For more details about the club nights or the Leeds Octopus Crew please contact Nicky Taylor, Community Development Officer on 0113 213 7296 or nicky.taylor@wyp.org.uk

Organisations working with adults with learning disabilities:

Mind the Gap: www.mind-the-gap.org.uk
Full Body and The Voice: www.fullbody.org.uk
Yorkshire Dance: www.everybodydances.com
Jabadao: www.jabadao.org
Purple Patch Arts http://www.purplepatcharts.org/
Waxworks: www.myspace.com/waxworksbradford 

For more information on the history of The Beautiful Octopus Club go to www.heartnsoul.co.uk