Sign Language Gig for Angus Student

Eddiesa Lyon (20), who lives near Aberlemno, heard her first sounds at the age of three after having cochlear implants fitted. She also has Asperger’s Syndrome.  

As a qualified British Sign Language signer (Level 3), Eddiesa will sign at the show, which has a narrative running through it, at Gardyne Theatre on Friday 22 September 2023. With support from the BSL community, she has also created her own signs for words featured in the show which do not have a BSL sign equivalent.

With stunning visual effects and a custom-made light show, The Science Fiction Experience eight-piece professional rock band will once again perform a variety of songs themed around science and science fiction, ending with much-loved anthem, The Power of Love.   Produced by science writer David Darling, author of 50 books published in over 20 countries, and singer/songwriter Rebecca Connelly, the show will take the audience on a journey through the cosmos with 21 distinct pieces of music set against a backdrop of theatre and drama. September’s show promises to be ‘bigger and better’ than the debut gig, with dazzling costumes and five new tracks.

Eddiesa, who is about to start the two-year HND in Acting and Performance at Dundee and Angus College, has enjoyed drumming lessons from Scott Burrell at his Red Rock Music studio in Arbroath since 2018.  With Scott the drummer in the Science Fiction Experience and his wife Rebecca, Producer/vocalist in the show, Eddiesa jumped at the opportunity to get involved.

Eddiesa said, “I’m so excited to be signing on stage for Scott, Rebecca and the rest of the Science Fiction Experience.  Just because you have hearing loss doesn’t mean you can’t go out and enjoy music and theatre and I’m living proof of that! 

“Because of Bluetooth, I can listen to the same music as anyone else. It might sound different to what others hear but it’s all I know and, to me, it’s normal. When I drum, I feel a real connection to music through the vibrations of the drum kit. That wouldn’t be so powerful with other instruments and that’s what really brings it alive to me.  It’s not always easy but I try not to let my disability stop me, there are lots of options and ways to explore music, you just have to do it differently.”

Scott added, “When Eddiesa first came to me as a student, I was completely unaware that she had cochlear implants. She didn’t make a big deal of it. As time went on, she taught me how to adapt to her communication challenges and, in return, I’ve learnt that there are no boundaries to teaching or enjoying music.

“Eddiesa has been through a lot but is incredibly resilient and driven.  Given that BSL is her first language, she was really excited at the prospect of signing for us. Her involvement will allow our audience, whatever their challenges and to immerse themselves in a musical science fiction adventure."

David Darling, Executive Producer of The Science Fiction Experience, added, “As musicians, the band love performing and want as wide a range of people to enjoy the show as possible, and that includes those who might otherwise feel excluded. The show has a story arc running through it, and we are thrilled and privileged to have Eddiesa on board to communicate the thrill and back story of the show and its characters to those with hearing loss.”

After college, Eddiesa plans to study Performance in British Sign Language and English at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland in Glasgow and embark on an acting career.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.sfeconcerts.com

Photos: KMR Media