All the young people are taking over

The Kings Theatre, Southsea held an Open Day giving members of the public an oppourtunity to explore areas usually of limits and find out more about the theatre. - "The Kings Theatre" Picture Credit: Keith Woodland. PPP-170602-110301001

All participants from cast to crew are members of the youth theatre itself and are proud to present these performances on April 11.

Both productions have been directed and produced by members of the Kings Youth Theatre as part of their Gold Arts Award. The award is a qualification that the Leading Lights have to complete as part of their membership in the group.

There are many different parts, units and projects as part of the Gold Arts Award and this is a great opportunity.

This project allows students to pick a field of the performing arts they would like to work in: singing, dancing or acting and show understanding through a project such as this.

Luke Bufton, 15, is from the Leading Lights and is involved in Black Comedy.

He said: ‘I’ve thoroughly revelled in devising this performance with my peers. I hope that the audience will share in the fun that I have had in this project.’

Matthew Parker, 13, is involved with the performance of Death in Character.

He said: ‘It’s been a fun experience to watch my friends take on different roles inside the theatre industry and to be able to get the chance to work alongside them is even better.’

To truly reflect the very special nature of this performance, the ‘KYT Student take-over’ will be performed in the Kings Theatre Studio Theatre, which is a specially designed space that is created on the Kings Theatre stage, seating just 100 and set in an area where audiences never normally go.

What is truly special about this part of the theatre is that audience members will be seated on stage an arm’s-length from the actors, creating a much more intimate, up close and personal experience.

The Kings Youth Theatre is a group led by Joanna Bennington and she strives to give every one of her students a chance to show off their talent and love of the stage through song, dance and drama.

Joanna established KYT in April 2010; then, in 2014, she decided to go one step further and created the Kings Youth Theatre Leading Lights which is a gifted and talented group

Joanna said: ‘I love watching all the kids grow up and grow into mature and confident adults. Observing the students direct, produce and act in their own productions really does make me proud. However, I’ve appreciated the break as I didn’t have to direct or produce!’