A GROUND-breaking show is heading to Warrington that provides children with autism a unique experience.

Autism and Sea started as a children's book, by its creator, Amy Le Dain - but it has easily transferred itself to a puppetry-based stage play.

The show is aimed at families with children aged five and above, and Amy says she hopes it will give autistic children something to relate to.

Amy said: "We’d like for children with autism - or are being diagnosed with autism - to have something to relate to.

"When I was diagnosed as autistic I didn’t have anything to relate to. I’d like kids to come to the show and have something to relate to.

"It’s very important [to relate to characters].

"When I was younger, I didn’t get why I didn’t fit into what everyone else did."

A story set under the sea with Finn, Ollie and Astrid on their first day of school, Autism and Sea will reflect on how autism affects each character differently – just like us humans.

In terms of whether the story came first or the characters, Amy said: "I came up with the octopus first when I was in bed and came up with this character who always wore his headphones."

When asked about the message of the show, Amy said: "They’re not on their own.

"In the show, I want to convey that we learn to adapt to different situations, and it’s about finding ways to cope."

Warrington Guardian: The show will take to Parr Hall's stage on October 24The show will take to Parr Hall's stage on October 24 (Image: Autism and Sea)

The show includes a number of autism-friendly features, Amy explained: "Prior to the show, the audience can touch the characters and feel what they are – and the actors introduce themselves beforehand, too."

Announcing the show, Parr Hall said: "The performances will also be ‘relaxed’ to make them more accessible for those with autism and other forms of neurodivergence.

"For example, the house lights will stay on throughout the performance, the volume of the sound effects will be reduced, there will be a touch tour and character introduction prior to the main show and there will be a breakout space in the foyer should anyone need a break."

Amy added: "I just hope [audiences] come away with a bit more information about autism.

"Every autistic experience is completely different.

"A lot of the time, when we say autism it just comes across as a label, but every case is different."

Autism and Sea will be at Parr Hall on Tuesday, February 13 - for more information, or tickets, visit the Culture Warrington website.