New theatre company for adults with intellectual disabilities launches in Waterford
Sean Upton and Mayor of Waterford City & County Cllr Seamus Ryan, at the Tower Hotel for the launch of Scene and Heard Productions' new play "Up The Déise". Photo: Joe Evans
A new inclusive theatre company, Scene and Heard Productions, was officially launched in Waterford last week.
The company has been established to create theatre opportunities for adults with intellectual disabilities and to celebrate their creativity, confidence, and voice on stage.
Founded by Waterford theatre director David Hennessy, Brenda Giles, John Upton, Maura Upton and Sean Upton, Scene and Heard Productions aims to build a sustainable, long-term inclusive theatre programme in the city.
The company’s debut production, “Up The Déise”, is a new comedy with heart that tells the story of a group of young Waterford hurlers with intellectual disabilities chasing the dream of an All-Ireland Inclusive Five-a-Side title.
The production will take to the stage at the Theatre Royal, Waterford, in October 2026.
Acclaimed playwright Jim Nolan has agreed to act as Honorary Patron of Scene and Heard Productions and has been supporting the development of the script.
Workshops with participants will begin in the coming weeks as the company begins the journey towards bringing 'Up The Déise' to life.
