Wharfingers Youth Theatre

This production represents something of a milestone in Youth Theatre, so a short introduction is called for. In 2003, Artistic Director Carole Ashcroft secured for members of Wharfingers the opportunity to take part in The Young People’s Arts Award Pilot, run by the Arts Council of England for the Department of Culture, Media and Sport. ‘mish-mash’, a devised piece based on the shared experiences of the young performers in Wharfingers, was a direct response to this challenge.

The Award is important, because it recognises and celebrates young people’s involvement in the arts. The Pilot was particularly valuable, because it led to the creation of a programme which has now made the National Award accessible to young people throughout the UK. That means that Carole and the young ‘pioneers’ who worked so hard to participate in the scheme deserve a hearty cheer!

‘mish-mash’ was conceived and produced by three members of the company who were working towards their Gold Awards and led by a number of others, in support of their Bronze and Silver Awards. It was designed to give the audience an insight into what goes on at Wharfingers and how the various skills are learnt and practised.

It would have been impossible to cover all aspects, so the team picked a handful of activities which they judged as important and (of course!) entertaining; physical and vocal warm-up techniques, improvisation, physical theatre, text analysis and stage fighting all featured in the programme. Parents and friends of those taking part were impressed by the discipline and dedication which clearly came across, not to mention the confidence, mutual respect and team work which their young people displayed.