Recently, some of our young people, Felicity, Nicole, Poppy, Harriet and Charlie put themselves forward to be involved in an incredible group project. Trowbridge, alongside three other towns across the UK, Sunderland, Doncaster and Stoke-On-Trent were chosen to re-tell the story of The Odyssey show cased by Public Acts in collaboration with The National Theatre. This was a huge opportunity for Trowbridge as well as our young people. Some young people involved are already keen performing arts students, studying it at school and college, yet some had no prior performing experience whatsoever and really pushed themselves out of their comfort zones. From attending initial workshops back in September 2022 to long days of full company rehearsals, the young people involved worked tirelessly and we couldn’t be prouder of them.
The story was written by Florence Espeut-Nickless and directed by Jesse Jones. It captured all of life’s struggles including social class and mental health, all told through life in Trowbridge mixed with Greek Mythology. The cast, all local people from Trowbridge, from all different walks of life, worked so hard as one big team, all playing their parts to tell the story of Trowbridge. Our young people have gained so much from being a part of this amazing experience, they’ve built friendships, gained confidence and team-work skills and most importantly, memories, which will stay with them through to their adult life. Chair of Trustees, Jo Trigg said “The young people involved were amazing – talented, collaborative, supportive and focussed. An absolute joy to be a member of the cast with them.” Jo also gave a huge appreciation to Youth Manager, Debs, for being such an integral part of the project, enabling the young people to take part and supporting all of the cast and crew.
We would like to thank all of those that were involved in making this amazing opportunity happen. Our young people will be forever grateful that they got to experience and be a part of something so wonderful!