The inspirational Youth Project

Now in its 10th year, the Youth Project is a joint project with the Royal Latin School and Buckingham School sponsored by the Town Council as part of the Fringe every year.

Last night was the culmination of two days collaboration between the two schools to produce an evening of art and drama. And it was magical!!

If you were not there: you missed an amazing, inspirational and heart warming treat. A group of about thirty 14 and 15 year olds produced a play made up of a series of vignettes focused on being kind to others. I know that sounds schmultzy but it was deeply moving for me and I am sure everyone else who was in audience. I am so glad that I didn't have to speak afterwards as I would surely have choked!

I wish it had been filmed as it would provide an powerful antidote to any adult who might sometimes have a downer on the 'young people of today etc'. What was on display last night was challenging, profound, generously provocative and extraordinarily talented - both the actors and visual artists.

Well done everyone! Obviously well done to the young people themselves but also to the teachers who guided and facilitated them: Rachel Hunt, Lance Keegan, Clare Checkly, Shahanara Ahmed and Vicky Richardson. And the technical support from Angus Butcher and Tom Dudley was seamless too! Thanks.

Kindness and love right back atcha!!

Sorry no pics of the young people themselves (we were told to post any on social media) but here is Rachel announcing the start with Lance and Clare beside her.

And here is people at the end - Amanda Brubaker (Town Council Entertainments Coordnator), Cllr Lisa O'Donghue, Julie, the Mayoress, Clare, Lance and Shahanara

And here are the three panels of artwork produced over the two days:

And I loved this - small notes were taped to the backs of all the seats. This was my one:

So to whomever wrote that - it is the same for you!