The woman who helped create one of the greatest shows on Earth has been honoured by a local university.

Artistic director and Paralympics opening ceremony co-director Jenny Sealey MBE was given an honorary degree by Middlesex University.

The award recognises her achievements in performing arts and contribution to disability arts.   

Ms Sealey, who lost her hearing when she was seven, has been the artistic director of the disabled-led Graeae Theatre Company since 1997.

Last year she co-directed the London 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony, which featured a cast of 3,000, many of whom were disabled, alongside Bradley Hemmings.

She was awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Honours list in 2009 for services to disability arts and has previously won the Liberty Human Rights Arts Award. 

Vice-Chancellor of the Hendon-based university, Professor Michael Driscoll, said: “Jenny’s career achievements, alongside her work with deaf and disabled artists and continuous campaigning for disabled peoples’ rights, makes her a true inspiration to the students graduating.

“Last year she had the honour of co-directing a memorable London 2012 Paralympics Opening Ceremony, which is testament to her talent and drive.”

Ms Sealy, whose national and international theatre credits include Reasons To Be Cheerful and Blood Wedding, attributed her “fighting spirit” and drive to making theatre more inclusive to deaf people.

Speaking at the ceremony on Friday, she said: “I think each and everyone one of us has the same responsibility and together we can make an impact."