REDDITCH’S aspiring young stars are hoping to raise much needed funds to jet off to Belgium for the country’s first ever English speaking drama festival this Spring.
And local people can play their part to send them on their way by attending an exclusive performance of the production they plan to take to the Belgian stage.
Fifteen youngsters from the Palace Youth Theatre’s Out There group are working to fund the trip, from April 30 to May 2, which will see them travel to Brussels and Antwerp where they will meet up with Lynne Vaughn, the founder of the original Palace Youth Theatre in the 1970s.
Lynne, who has organised the festival and now runs English Youth Theatre in both Brussels and Waterloo, will bring the English thespians to Antwerp’s Da Vinci International School, where she teaches, for the festival.
The groups will then get the chance to showcase their performances to each other in its 200-seat theatre.
“It is wonderful to think the Youth Theatre group is still going and has gone from strength to strength,” said Lynne. “It has completely gone full circle.”
The Palace Youth Theatre production centres on the effects of social media on young people today and the performance will be premiered in the Palace’s ‘The Room Upstairs’ on April 16 with all ticket sales going towards the fund-raising total.
The group also have a host of other fund-raising events planned to raise the £3,400 they need to go.
Liz Tabberer, youth theatre and arts officer, said: “We wouldn’t be where we are today if it wasn’t for Lynne so we’re going to do all we can to support her and attend the first ever English speaking festival in Belgium.”
Anyone who wants to lend their support should email [email protected] with a suggestion or a donation.
Follow the group’s progress on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #PYTBelgium and ticket for the show are from the box office on 01527 65203.
