LancasterAcademy
Devised by Ben Johnson and the group
Practitioner: Ben Johnson
Teacher: Innes Anderson
A note from the Practitioner
Sounds of the Underground was created with one key aim, to celebrate the rich diversity of the arts, culture, and school community at Lancaster. This was an opportunity for the young people to explore and combine different artistic mediums: poetry, singing, dance, monologues, duologues and ensemble devised pieces, which would inspire or challenge them.
The piece takes the audience on a metaphorical journey through London, each stop representing a different story. These imagined ideas grew out of a writing session called Sounds of the Underground, which the group responded to so enthusiastically, sparking the concept for the whole show.
At its heart, the message is about the beauty of difference. Every stop, every voice, every story adds to the vibrancy of a shared community, something I feel reflects British values that are worth celebrating.
It’s been a joy to watch the young people grow throughout this process: building confidence, trying new skills, taking creative risks, and working collaboratively. I’m incredibly proud of their resilience, curiosity, and the energy they’ve brought to this piece.
Enjoy their take on Sounds of the Underground.
Ben Johnson
Thank you:
A huge thank you to Innes Anderson, who collaborated with me on the piece; we are both so proud of the work the young people have produced.
Cast and Commuters on the Underground
Jonas Addo
Amaya Atapattu
Oreoluwa Bisiriyu
Charl’E Brown
Rebeca Ciuraru
Tristan Frank
Bel Gourgel
Belle Jacques
Jairus James
Jason Key
Shaan Khan
Madhava Lang
Kellsey Melia
Drashya Mistry
Rhyan Mufong
Ignatious Murgwisi
Keisha Mutsvairo
Nadia Nadia
Feven Teka
Hope Tipler
Kelsie Unsworth
Claudia Zarnecka
Claudio Ziga