Youth theatre group 'like a family' marks 50 years
BBCA theatre group described by members as "like a family" is celebrating 50 years of treading the boards and wants all those who have been involved to share memories.
Shottery Youth Theatre began in 1976 as a way of giving young people in the district of Stratford-upon-Avon, something to do during the winter.
A panto has been staged every year since, with only one missed because of the Covid pandemic, and now they want to get in touch with as many of the people who've taken part over the last five decades as possible.
"The amount of people that say to me, 'I used to be in it', and it's just lovely to feel that we're still carrying that on," said Rachel Rose, writer and director.
'Very, very rewarding'
A total of 40 children, aged from 7 to 17, are involved in this year's production.
The group prides itself on its inclusivity, making sure every child gets a part.
Louis has landed the starring role of Scrooge this year. "It's such a great experience, I've been doing it for so long. It just properly feels like a part of my life now.
"It does feel very, very rewarding." he continued.
Hannah, 15, said the group had been life-changing for her.
"It's given me so much confidence from when I started, and I just love it so much."
And for the children, the fact the group has been running 50 years, feels like a 'crazy' amount of time.
"I'm quite amazed how it's been going for so long and how everyone's so committed to it, so great." said Sienna, 10.
Pippa, also 10, has already been with the group for four years.
"I just think it's really cool that they can get this going for so long and it's really nice that it's gone on for 50 years now," she said.
'They can't keep us away'
For the 50th anniversary show, the group want to be able to display photos and memories of past performances.
Elena Zaffignani started coming to the group when she was seven, now, at the age of 21, she's in charge of the choreography, and has gathered dozens of her past photos, scripts and programmes.
"It's just really nice to look over the memories and remember all the past shows and show weekends and parts and costumes and dances and everything," she said.
Sophia Lykova-Jones grew up coming to the club every winter and also now volunteers.
"Over time, most of my best friends came here with me and we all grew up and we did it together," she said.
"Now we are back helping out, they can't keep us away."
But the group also worry for the future if more volunteers cannot be found.
Vocal coach Michelle Dale, said: "We want another 50 years. We want to make sure that children of our children, can have this amazing experience that people like my daughter and family and that have had in the past."
The performance raises money for charity every year with the children allowed to pick the charities that mean something to them.
In the past they have raised money for Guide Dogs, the Air Ambulance, and Shakespeare Hospice.
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