Gosport 12-year-old carer puts on a show for SEN children

Kurtis Ebsworth, from Gosport, is only 12 years old and decided to use his isolation period, when he had Covid, to write a show for children that have special educational needs after realising that there is a lack of accessible theatre performances for youngsters that have specific requirements.

He is the middle child of three boys, all of whom have a chromosome disorder called 22q 11.23 Duplication, and his two brothers both have autism, making him aware of the difficulties of attending the theatre.

Kurtis, along with the help of his mum, Becky Ebsworth, wrote ‘The Spider that wanted a home’, which he wanted to make into a real show that is accessible for everyone.

Becky said: ‘He acts as a young carer for both of his brothers. He always wants to help out, but his reason for doing it is because we use Marvels and Meltdowns which is a charity that supports families who have children with autism, and they have said how difficult it is for SEN children to go to the theatre.’

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The show all came together after two months of hard work rehearsing and practising the performance to make sure that it was perfect, and it was a real community effort.

It was shown at St Matthew’s Church on October 28, and it was a hit, with tickets costing £3 each for those that could afford it, and it was then free for families that use the churches food bank.

Becky added: ‘I am super proud of him. He has always wanted to help others. He should be so proud of himself, he has his own problems, he has anxiety but he doesn’t let it stop him, he is always for everybody else.’

The church offered the space up for free and in return, Kurtis, his family and the actors involved, took part in a food drive to get donations for the food bank to help support the church.

He has found a passion for theatrics which he wants to pursue to continue to help SEN children, and from the performance he managed to raise £270 on tickets, which he has donated back to Marvels and Meltdowns.