Limelight theatre Programme
Our Limelight Theatre Programme aims to increase accessibility and opportunities in the arts for aspiring actors and creatives.
Limelight Theatre dismantles barriers to participation by working with 16-21 year olds, providing free drama workshops, complimentary tickets to professional shows, weekly rehearsals for selected plays, and performance opportunities in high-profile venues, including YAA’s annual One Heart Festival in June, which commemorates Grenfell, the Edinburgh Festival in August and local London venues. The National Theatre supported us by offering experiences that included meeting and working with industry professionals, free access to theatre scripts, costumes, rehearsal space, and tickets to professional performances.
How this benefits young people
Young participants acquire theatrical skills and develop essential life skills such as teamwork, communication, and resilience. They gain performance experience and access networking and support opportunities to help them pursue careers in the arts.
Limelight at Edinburugh Fringe Festival
The Limelight Theatre group was at Edinburgh Fringe Festival from18-23 August performing an inspiring play, As We Face The Sun.
About the play
As we face the sun
As We Face the Sun is a moving and uplifting exploration of friendship and the passage of time. We follow a group of West London classmates who, after the tragic loss of a friend, hold an annual party in her honour. As they transition from teenagers into adulthood, the gatherings become a reflection of shared memories and growth. Bought to life by talented West London drama students, the narrative reminds us of why we hold onto things and how we might start to let go.
We obtained funding from Keep it Fringe to help support getting our show to Edinburgh, which has helped us fund more marketing at the Fringe, including outdoor advertising as well as help with accommodation and travel.
Impact
The Limelight Thearte Group were successful in receiving two 4 star reviews from one of the largest Edinburgh Fringe reviwers, BingeFringe (Lou Fox) and LondonTheatre1 (Chris Omaweng). Please see some of the review highlights below:
“Six talented performers shine throughout, bringing a healthy dose of school days nostalgia and some highly emotionally intelligent performances.
A refreshing change of pace from
much of the festival.
Not a hint of pretention behind the
performances: these are raw talents waiting to be snapped up into big and bright performance futures.
”
“A briskly paced production that reflects
the energy and vibrancy of youth.
The play captures the myriad frustrations
of the younger generation with care and
sensitivity.
An engaging coming of age play that
subtly challenges mainstream media’s
portrayal of youngsters.”
“‘This one comes from the bottom of my heart. Being able to experience new things and grow closer with each other was something so special to me to all of us. I’ve gained so much confidence, respect to my friends for their skills, leadership and creativity. i have always had struggles with doubting my abilities in myself and if i should follow my dreams but after all the positive feedbacks i now know what i want to accomplish and chase in the future and now.
Lorna has played a huge part for being such a wonderful director and so patient and passionate with all of us and made us want to carry on going. I couldn’t have asked for a better team.”
Rehersals gallery
Videos From Young People
Contact
Lorna Capewell
Programme Lead
lorna@youthactionalliance.org