A community theatre cafe that teaches adults with learning disabilities how to cook and handle money while building their confidence is our readers’ choice
Hidden in the quiet gardens of a Methodist church in suburban south Manchester, the Edge Theatre is an unassuming community hub. But on a Thursday afternoon this one-time Red Cross hospital is bustling with activity. Its cafe, the Dressing Room– a training centre for Mancunians with learning disabilities and OFM’s 2018 Local Food Hero – is busy with new mums, middle-aged couples, artists between group-working sessions and young people awaiting a dance class. Two studios are being hastily rearranged as lessons in everything from acting to tap dancing roll on through the week. “Let me just check there are no nude models in here,” cautions CEO and artistic director Janine Waters, as we interrupt a group of local artists packing away.
You don’t come in here and go, ‘I’m in the middle of training.’ You get really nice food, served well
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