Introduction

Heydays

Feeling Good Theatre Company

Community Network

Beautiful Octopus Club

First Floor

The original nightclub run by people with learning disabilities.

The Beautiful Octopus Club is a cabaret 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 The Wild West, High School Prom and A Night at the Circus. On the night, activities include interactive dance sessions, music and drama performances, open mic sessions, face painting and interactive arts. The Octopus DJs keep the dance floor buzzing all night with their top tunes! There is even a chill out zone with relaxing massage on offer for those who want to take it easy.

The club is open to over 18s only.

news

Alan Hicks, who is part of the Leeds Octopus Crew, is featured in an exhibition in the brand new Leeds City Museum on Millennium Square. You can watch Alan take part in workshops and the Beautiful Octopus Club night by visiting the Leeds Arena area of the Museum and choose Alan’s story on the interactive podiums.

recent events

Pirate Adventure



On 9 September 2008 we welcomed 420 clubbers to our Pirate Adventure club night. Our next event will be taking place in March 2009. Please check back for more details…

If you would to add your name to the Beautiful Octopus Club email list, please email nicky.taylor@wyp.org.uk and we will keep you informed about our next club night

The Leeds octopus crew

Made up of adults with learning disabilities, the Crew takes part in weekly 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
Waxworks: www.myspace.com/waxworksbradford 

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