Autism Ideas in Midlothian

“Gongo Learn the Rules!” is a new theatre show inspired by Midlothian Autism Strategy created by Penicuik based Engross Theatre Company.

The show is aimed at children or adults with learning disability or autism and uses slapstick comedy and audience participation to explore social routines like meeting and greeting.

Young Ben loves everything Sci-Fi, like Star Wars and Star Trek, but his biggest dream of all is to meet an Alien! But it must be friendly!

So he is over the moon when Gongo the friendly Alien, arrives  on planet Earth from the planet Googon!

Gongo has to learn all about humans for his school project. Ben finds out that Gongo has an awful lot to learn though, especially about social skills, so Ben has to teach him!

Through lots of audience interaction, lots of fun, songs and animated action, Gongo learns;

1. that you must not hug strangers
2. how to greet someone – handshakes and hi-fives
3. about personal space
4. about facial expressions

The play lasts half an hour and can be tailored to your own audience.

The feedback was excellent!

Teacher from Saltersgate – “One of the best things in our school!”

Scottish Autism – “”Good way of explaining social rules”

Teacher from Pilrig Park –“ It  was at a good pace for the young people to understand and take part”

Scottish Autism –“Very much fun and engaging for pupils!”

Teacher from Kaimes –“Loved the songs! The actors were so good at dealing with the audience!”

Teacher from Kaimes – “They smiled, and clapped and interacted”

Teacher from Kaimes – “They were focussed throughout,  they were seniors (in Secondary) but they were captivated.”

To find out more about having Engross Theatre for your own audience, have a look at their website

[wpvideo Q6BM1UZN]

Actors Ian ‘Sheepie’ Smith plays Ben, and Fraser Macrae plays Gongo

The show was devised with funding from Midlothian Council’s autism strategy funds, and RS Macdonald Charitable Trust with the hope that it can be toured to benefit a wide range of people.