A THEATRE group for adults with learning disabilities is preparing to open its first show after a long struggle with the council that culminated in street demonstrations.

The Earthbeat Theatre Company had wanted to move to Guisborough's former Register Office and in October 2013, 500 protestors marched through the town to oppose Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council's decision to sell it to the JD Wetherspoon pub chain.

Latest on Wetherspoon's Guisborough plan

Eventually a compromise was reached and the theatre company was granted a 500-year lease on the old Saltburn Primary School site on Marske Road in Saltburn.

Now, after an extensive renovation, the theatre company is to stage its first show titled 'Classical.'

Earthbeat manager Tony Galuidi said: “After years of wrangling with the council and months spent converting the old Saltburn School, Earthbeat is ready to unleash its debut show at the newly renovated Earthbeat Centre. The show is inspired by classical music but is full of surprises.

“Forget all that you know about classical music. We’ve taken the world of ‘posh’ music and given it the Earthbeat treatment.

“Imagine a rap version of Beethoven’s Fur Elise, a very silly rendition of the Skaters Waltz or a beautiful dance routine to Stravinski’s Firebird. And just try to think what the ‘Pizzicato in honk minor’ looks like!

“This is a great show and manages to be exciting, inspiring, moving and, at times, just plain silly’.

This year, Earthbeat is celebrating its silver anniversary. The old school opened to the public in February and 1,200 people visited on its open day, but this is the first time the thespians have actually staged a production.

As well as theatre productions the venue is used for various classes, including art, drama and children's yoga. There is also a cafe and a shop selling organic produce. It has a 150-seat auditorium and a dance studio.

Earthbeat works with 84 adults with learning disabilities of whom 36 will be performing in the Classical Show. They are helped by a team of eight volunteers.

Tickets for the first three nights of the show on Wednesday, May 13, Thursday, May 14 and Friday, May15 have already sold out. Tickets are available for an extra performance on Wednesday, May 20. Call 07969 623118 or email earthbeat@talktalk.net to book.