A star in the making: Charlie takes to the stage

We’re incredibly proud to celebrate Charlie, one of the people we support at our Oak House supported living service in Birmingham, who has starred in a touring theatre production and inspired everyone around him along the way. 

Charlie was part of an ensemble cast of performers, all of whom have autism or a learning disability. The production, called Falling, was created with Open Theatre and tells the story of a young girl trying to find her place in the world when she feels excluded. Through powerful mime, movement and dance, the show explores belonging, identity and connection. 

Charlie’s journey to the stage has been years in the making. After completing a year of work experience with Open Theatre, he became a freelance member of the ensemble cast, which has been working on the production of Falling for the past three years. The show was performed in Birmingham last year and has now gone on tour, with performances taking place in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Coventry during May. 

Charlie’s love of performing started early. He said: “When I was a child, I liked dressing up. School helped me appear in shows and supported me along the way,” he explained. 

“It’s all about being on stage and expressing myself. I love getting to play a character and working as part of a team.” 

Charlie has been living at Oak House since January and has quickly become a valued part of the residents’ community. Sarah Lewis, Deputy Manager at Oak House, shared how much of an impact he’s made: 

“Charlie is such a refreshing addition. He brings a real lightness and airiness, always so friendly when you see him in the corridor and asking about your day.” 

“He’s a great inspiration for others who might feel that their autism or a learning disability could hold them back. He’s so proactive, and we’re all incredibly excited for him and his future.” 

While touring can be nerve‑wracking, Charlie says the nerves melt away once he’s on stage. One unforgettable highlight so far has been meeting Steven Knight, the creator and writer behind the popular series Peaky Blinders. 

“He talked about how he started and where he gets his ideas. I got a photo with him, and it was really interesting and inspiring,” Charlie said. 

Inspired by that meeting, Charlie has even applied to be an extra in the upcoming Peaky Blinders 1950s series and is eagerly waiting to hear back. 

Away from the theatre, Charlie is embracing independent living and planning for his future. 

“I really like it here at Oak House. I enjoy having my own space and being able to have it how I want it. I like spending time with staff and residents, and playing table tennis,” he said. 

Looking ahead, Charlie added: 

“Lifeways is my stepping stone. With their support, in the future I’d like my own flat and to be more independent, and I’d also love to get more freelance roles in theatre.” 

Already giving back, Charlie is a trustee and director of a charity supporting 16–25 year olds into further education, and also guest lectures at University College Birmingham, sharing his lived experience of autism, education, mental health and the care system with future health and social care professionals. 

For Charlie, the future is certainly looking bright. As Sarah summed up: “A star in the making is our Charlie!”