BY BEN JOHNSON AND THE COMPANY
BY BEN JOHNSON AND THE COMPANY
Welcome everyone to the CYCC Spring shows which celebrate the talents and skills of the participants who attend our weekly sessions.
This year in my introduction I would like to draw your attention to Youth Theatre and its importance in young people’s lives. Curve took part in the National Youth Theatre Census 2024, drawing together the many groups operating across the country and reflecting on the huge contribution this sector offers. The census looked at the variety of mediums being delivered, the pressure points experienced, and the overall impact it has on young people and the freelance practitioners. To find out more see details below.
At Curve we are proud to be part of a community that provides safe and brave spaces for our young people to nurture their interest and passion for the arts, by sharing the skills and experiences of professional artists, practitioners and youth theatre leaders.
We recognise Youth Theatre is more than just a vehicle to prepare this and the next generation of performers but also provides an abundance of essential transferable skills. When researching a chosen text, play or genre of music to choreograph a dance, practitioners with their young people explore historical context, origins, timelines, social and cultural aspects that gives them an understanding of why this piece was chosen and its relevance to all of us and our communities today. This process builds empathy and knowledge of ourselves, society and the world we live in. It helps them to build relationships with others and a chance to think, breathe, take time to understand themselves and claim a sense of belonging.
Therefore it goes beyond performance skills, it is an inclusive practice that gives access, opportunities and a cultural voice to everyone, no matter what the background.
You may remember your own experiences in the arts, from that initial spark or introduction, to what you were or weren’t offered at school, to any barriers you may or may not have faced or to the opportunities offered, those taken up or not. Some of our young people will have overcome considerable barriers to be on stage in front of you tonight. This is a moment to celebrate the amazing talent you see in the shows, and what the young people have achieved and gained from participating with others.
Let’s celebrate how resourceful the sector is and how powerfully it employs a variety of creative strategies that help to support mental health and wellbeing.
Thank you for all you do to support your young people and enable them to experience CYCC.
I applaud the young people’s and the practitioners for their hard work and wiliness to share their creative and artistic endeavours with us, today. Enjoy the show!
Lorrine Douglas Schools and Partnerships Manager
CYCC MT YOU WILL BE FOUND
The 7-9’s showcase explores friendship and school life – everyday experiences for these young performers. This theme not only allows them to draw from their own lives but also encourages them to learn from each other’s perspectives, deepening their understanding of relationships and personal growth.
Cast of YOU WILL BE FOUND
Alayna Lakhani
Amelia Rea
Anna Sanders
Annie Unwin
Freya Ramsahye
With this concept, I had the freedom to select songs that reflected their favourite musicals while introducing them to new productions that align with their interests. It’s been a joy to see them embrace both the familiar and the new, bringing their own energy and interpretations to each piece. Throughout rehearsals, it’s been wonderful to see how themes like friendship, bullying, individuality, self-belief, and kindness have not only boosted each performer’s confidence but also strengthened the group’s bond. Talking about our differences often reveals how much we have in common.
Ben Johnson
Lead Practitioner and Director
THE CREATIVE TEAM
DIRECTOR: Ben Johnson
MUSICAL DIRECTOR: Jude Taylor
CHOREOGRAPHER: Demi Essex
ASSISTANT PRACTITIONER: Bekka Heathcote
Harriet Mabe
Harriet Prior
Haylo Phillips
Hermione Colden-Clarke
Immy Noon
Isabella King
Isabelle Francis
Izzy Freer
Jaiden Curry
Jessica Coles
COSTUME AND PROPS: Edd Lindley, Rachel Matthews, Jenni Tebbutt and CYCC Group members.
THANK YOU
Jonah Okuneye
Lillian Horsley
Liv Angell
Macy Burditt
Makayla Obaze
Matthew Button
Olive Stafford
Pearl Tran-Barrass
Poppy Jorgensen
Safiya Ross
Sienna Barnes
Thea Sullivan-Robinson
Tillie McClelland
Tilly Humphreys
TECHNICAL SUPPORT: Ashley Holdom, Rhys Parker and Angel Rossell de Pablos
COMPANY STAGE MANAGER: Elliott Mitchell
CHAPERONES: Helen McClaren-Frost, Hannah Willars and Rosemary Redhead
GRAPHIC DESIGNER: Justin Gladwin
PHOTOGRAPHY: Jonathan Pryke
Matt Hilton for his work as CYCC MT assistant at the start of the term, wishing you all the best. A huge thank you to Demi, Jude, and Bekka for their incredible work and the lasting impact they’ve had on our students. Collaborating with a choreographer who shares your vision and energy, and a musical director whose passion and understanding shine through in every moment, is truly inspiring.
A special thank you to Bekka for her unwavering support – not only for us as practitioners but, most importantly, for the young people, ensuring they feel heard, motivated, and respected.
