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Sarah Gordy MBE

Stage and Screen Actress

Sarah is a wonderful advocate for Circus Starr, sharing our ethos around ability and inclusivity – on her website Sarah puts her professional identity before her disability. “I’m a professional actor, dancer and model. I have Down’s syndrome but that is not all I am.”  Sarah champions the work we do to support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children, pioneering the accessibility of live performance for all audiences. Recently awarded an MBE for services to the arts and people with disabilities, Sarah is best known for some great roles:

  • As Katie in season 3 of the BBC’s ‘The A Word’. A show that has been praised for its inclusivity with story lines that focus on characters with Autism and Down Syndrome. 
  • As Lady Pamela Holland in BBC’s ‘Upstairs Downstairs’; a role created by screenwriter Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife, Cranford) to illustrate the 1930s attitudes to disabilities.
  • Sarah also starred in an episode in series 3 of Call the Midwife highlighting the treatment of people with physical and learning difficulties in 1950s Britain.
  • More recently, Sarah played the role of the Quines’ daughter Dodo in the BBC/HBO 2-part adaptation of Robert Galbraith’s Strike, The Silkworm, prompting a tweet from J K Rowling praising her immense talent.
  • She is also a familiar face on CBeebies Bedtime Stories with her readings of ‘We’re Not Sleepy’ and Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Busy Spider’.
  • Her other TV roles include Holby City, Doctors, Casualty and Peak Practice. (www.sarahgordy.com)

In her own words: “I am absolutely thrilled and proud to be playing a part in the work that Circus Starr does, bringing so much happiness to so many people. I love their show … every member of the audience just gets swept along by the magic of circus and all you can see is smiles on the faces of everyone around you.”

Neville Wilson, Director of Circus Starr says: “We are very proud to have Sarah as our patron. She is a fresh and wonderful acting talent whose passion shines through every role she plays. Her enthusiasm for Circus Starr’s cause is infectious and she is a wonderful ambassador for our work.”

Sarah Gordy MBE

Stage and Screen Actress

Sarah is a wonderful advocate for Circus Starr, sharing our ethos around ability and inclusivity – on her website Sarah puts her professional identity before her disability. “I’m a professional actor, dancer and model. I have Down’s syndrome but that is not all I am.”  Sarah champions the work we do to support disabled, disadvantaged and vulnerable children, pioneering the accessibility of live performance for all audiences. Recently awarded an MBE for services to the arts and people with disabilities, Sarah is best known for some great roles:

  • As Lady Pamela Holland in BBC’s ‘Upstairs Downstairs’; a role created by screenwriter Heidi Thomas (Call the Midwife, Cranford) to illustrate the 1930s attitudes to disabilities.
  • Sarah also starred in an episode in series 3 of Call the Midwife highlighting the treatment of people with physical and learning difficulties in 1950s Britain.
  • More recently, Sarah played the role of the Quines’ daughter Dodo in the BBC/HBO 2-part adaptation of Robert Galbraith’s Strike, The Silkworm, prompting a tweet from J K Rowling praising her immense talent.
  • She is also a familiar face on CBeebies Bedtime Stories with her readings of ‘We’re Not Sleepy’ and Eric Carle’s ‘The Very Busy Spider’.
  • Her other TV roles include Holby City, Doctors, Casualty and Peak Practice. (www.sarahgordy.com)

In her own words: “I am absolutely thrilled and proud to be playing a part in the work that Circus Starr does, bringing so much happiness to so many people. I love their show … every member of the audience just gets swept along by the magic of circus and all you can see is smiles on the faces of everyone around you.”

Neville Wilson, Director of Circus Starr says: “We are very proud to have Sarah as our patron. She is a fresh and wonderful acting talent whose passion shines through every role she plays. Her enthusiasm for Circus Starr’s cause is infectious and she is a wonderful ambassador for our work.”

 

Storme Toolis

In 2017, our 30th anniversary year of touring, we were delighted to welcome actress Storme Toolis as a new patron. We had the pleasure of Storme’s company at our opening show in Stoke and we keep Storme up to date with all of Circus Starr’s news and events. Storme has starred in:

  • New Tricks
  • The Inbetweeners Movie.
  • She was cast in the role of Juliet as part of the BBC Four’s Redefining Juliet
  • Storme appeared in a Malteser advert highlighting the lighter moments in the lives of those living with a disability.

As Storme says: “The arts have always played a big part in my life and I’m passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing them. It’s an honour to be asked to be a patron of an organisation that has pioneered inclusive shows for 30 years inspiring families who might otherwise find it difficult to experience the joys of live performance.” Storme has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Michelle Crossley, Director of Circus Starr commented, “We would like to thank Storme Toolis for taking on the role of patron for Circus Starr. We are absolutely delighted to have the support of such a talented, fun-loving and sassy young woman.”

Storme is currently studying to pursue a career in teaching.  

 

Storme Toolis

In 2017, our 30th anniversary year of touring, we were delighted to welcome actress Storme Toolis as a new patron. We had the pleasure of Storme’s company at our opening show in Stoke and we keep Storme up to date with all of Circus Starr’s news and events. Storme has starred in:

  • New Tricks
  • The Inbetweeners Movie.
  • She was cast in the role of Juliet as part of the BBC Four’s Redefining Juliet
  • Storme appeared in a Malteser advert highlighting the lighter moments in the lives of those living with a disability.

As Storme says: “The arts have always played a big part in my life and I’m passionate about breaking down barriers to accessing them. It’s an honour to be asked to be a patron of an organisation that has pioneered inclusive shows for 30 years inspiring families who might otherwise find it difficult to experience the joys of live performance.” Storme has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair.

Michelle Crossley, Director of Circus Starr commented, “We would like to thank Storme Toolis for taking on the role of patron for Circus Starr. We are absolutely delighted to have the support of such a talented, fun-loving and sassy young woman.”

Storme is currently studying to pursue a career in teaching.

 

©Circus Starr 2019 All Rights Reserved all 3rd party trademarks acknowledged. Company’s Registered Office Address: Circus Starr, Starr in the Community CIC - Dane Mill, Broadhurst Lane, Congleton, Cheshire CW12 1LA Registered in Companies House England & Wales No 7477542