Young people with learning and physical disabilities performed at the Marvellous Humans showcase in Belfast's Lyric Theatre this week. The event sold out. Grace, a 20-year-old from Belfast with Down Syndrome, visual impairment and mobility issues, took part.

Rogue Encounters organised the showcase as the finale of an 18-week drama course run with the theatre. Participants displayed creative skills through stage performances and films. Grace has attended the group's drama classes for over three years.

Grace's mother, Pepe Murphy, stated that the classes have boosted her daughter's confidence, mobility, social connections and performance opportunities. Grace said drama class is her favourite activity where she meets friends and enjoys stage applause.

David Calvert, Artistic Director and co-founder of Rogue Encounters, said the group produces theatre with unheard stories from underrepresented people. He noted that stage performances in front of a full audience affirm the participants and demonstrate societal inclusion.

The organisation, formerly Kids in Control, has operated since the 1990s with funding from Arts Council of Northern Ireland via National Lottery programmes. Javier Stanziola, Director of Strategic Development and Partnerships at Arts Council of Northern Ireland, said such events show the arts sector's inclusive nature.