A university course to spread teachings of Southgate's Chicken Shed Theatre was launched last week by Lord David Puttnam and actor Bob Hoskins.

The postgraduate certificate in Inclusivity in the Performing Arts is a joint venture between Middlesex University and Chicken Shed which encourages people with physical and learning disabilities to play an active role in performances at the theatre.

Lord Puttnam, the former film producer of classics like Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields, who grew up in Southgate, was at the launch at the theatre in Chase Side on Friday.

He said: "We need to ensure that all members of society are able to participate. Inclusion is not only good for individuals but it benefits the wider society."

Bob Hoskins, star of Who Framed Roger Rabbit and The Long Good Friday, was also present. He said: "Chicken Shed offers free membership to the human race and now you can get a degree in it that's brilliant."

The distance learning course will be taught by Chicken Shed staff, can go towards an MA degree and is designed for people who would like to set up inclusive theatre companies using the pioneering expertise of Chicken Shed.

Professor Michael Driscoll, vice-chancellor of Middlesex University said: "It's needed because there has to be a way of taking the knowledge developed over the years and enabling other people to find out how it's done."

July 4, 2002 10:30