A THEATRE for deaf and hard of hearing communities throughout the borough is celebrating after successfully applying to become a registered charity.

Dudley Deaf Theatre grew out of a project to bring performing arts to the deaf and hard of hearing, run by members of Dudley Deaf Social Club and Black Country Touring.

As part of the group, members co-ordinated accessible productions that could be enjoyed by deaf and hard of hearing individuals, while working with theatre companies, interpreters and venues to ensure that everyone could enjoy theatre.

The group also provided comedy and drama workshops for people who are deaf and hard of hearing – teaching new skills and helping to increase people’s confidence.

After successful shows and workshops, Dudley Deaf Theatre members decided to set the group up as a charity in its own right, and this week the group were registered.

Jeff Clarkson, trustee of Dudley Deaf Theatre, said: “We’re over the moon to achieve charity status.

“We’re looking forward to the opportunities that being a charity will bring and to staging some brilliant shows that people from the deaf and hard of hearing communities can participate in and enjoy.”

The group called on Dudley Council for Voluntary Service (CVS) for support, who provided guidance and information about what they would need to do to be registered by the Charity Commission.

Jeff added: “We’re so grateful for the support that Dudley CVS have given to help us achieve our goals.”

Dudley Deaf Theatre plans to hold further performing arts workshops as well as provide accessible shows for the deaf and hard of hearing communities in the coming year.