DIY BUDS: Not Just For Laughs!

Photo: DIY BUDS: Not Just For Laughs!

Happy New Year from all of us at DIY Theatre Company!

As we step into another exciting year, we’re taking a moment to celebrate the incredible creativity and achievements of DIY BUDS – our drama sessions to help build confidence for adults with learning disabilities.

Last term, DIY BUDS had us laughing our socks off with the Not Just For Laughs! project. Members shared their favourite comedy shows, characters and comedians. As well as creating comedy sketches and playing lots of fun comedy games.

Callum shared with us:
“I’ve liked getting up on stage. I’ve liked playing games. We’ve been finding we have a lot in common because we like some of the same comedy. It’s a breeding ground of conversation.”

A group of people participating in a comedy and drama activity in a spacious hall. One woman sits with her hands covering her face, while others stand around, striking poses or gesturing, including a man in a red shirt and another in a black puffer jacket.

Put It in the Bin! 

Everyone had a great time exploring how comedy can help us talk about things that annoy us. From bossy people to transport troubles, it’s good to have a space to share frustrations! Acting out these scenes, with tips from other members to make them even funnier, were a real highlight. 

What’s your favourite bit?  

“Getting up and doing it!” – Paul

“I’ve found it good. Doing the games.”  – DIY BUDS member

A group of people sitting and standing in a room with bright lighting. One woman is pointing dramatically forward, and another is leaning back in a chair with a thoughtful expression. A man in the background watches attentively.

Discovering Mystery Objects 

During DIY BUDS final session before the winter break, comedy writer and performer Jenny May Morgan joined the group to share her expertise. She brought along some strange objects, and asked everyone to invent what they were and present them to the group as professors. It was both creative and hilarious!

We’re looking forward to meeting more comedy experts next term who will help us learn even more skills. 

“I’ve found the term really interesting, getting to lead. It’s been funny, good, and funny. Being able to express myself and being silly with it has been really good.” – Becky

A lively group of people standing in a circle, raising their arms as part of an interactive exercise. The room features high ceilings and artwork in the background.

Leading the Way 

Becky and Adam have been co-leading sessions with our facilitator Georgia, building on leadership skills developed through DIY Gamechangers. They’ve been leading games and activities while also inventing creative ways to evaluate sessions, like an evaluation pizza, evaluation cake, and even an evaluation Christmas present! 

Becky and Adam will continue leading and planning sessions this year. 

“What’s been your favourite thing?” 

“Leading. I want to do more!” – Adam 

“It has been a pleasure leading, and I would love the opportunity to do more.” – Becky 

A close-up of a person’s hand drawing and writing on a large sheet of paper divided into segments. A handwritten note reads, "I love how I can use my directing skills and be in the background instead of being on stage"

Join DIY BUDS in 2025 

We’re excited to continue DIY BUDS: Not Just For Laughs! this year with more comedy experts, games, and leadership opportunities.

DIY BUDS is open to adults in Salford with a Learning Disability. It’s a space to learn drama skills, connect with others through games and boost your confidence.

  • When? Thursdays, 1–3pm, from 16 January to 27 March (no session 20 February) 

We can’t wait to welcome everyone back for another term of laughs and learning. 

 

Thank you to Salford ICP and Salford CVS for funding this project.