Youngsters take centre stage to showcase their talents

Cheshire East youngsters are coming together to take centre stage and showcase their talents.

The first-ever Cheshire East Youth Theatre (CEYT) ‘Celebration’ will see all three groups that make up CEYT put on a show-stopping performance at Crewe’s Lyceum Theatre on Saturday, July 16, at 6pm.

The event, run by Cheshire East Council, is an ideal occasion to celebrate the blossoming talents of the youth theatre.

About 90 youngsters are looking forward to the memorable opportunity to perform at the Lyceum – and for some it will be their first time treading the boards.

Cheshire East Councillor Jamie Macrae, Cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This is a really vibrant and talented youth theatre group and the celebration at the Lyceum will be an exciting and memorable opportunity for its members to showcase their talents.

“Youth theatre is an incredible experience for the tutors, performers and audience alike. I’d urge as many people as possible to come along to support this show and celebrate these youngsters’ achievements.”

CEYT, which is based at the Lyceum, for young people aged five to 18, recently branched out to create two new youth theatre groups in Alsager and Sandbach. 

The Lyceum Youth Theatre has four age groups, five to seven; eight to 10; 11 to 13; and 14 to 18, based in the theatre’s rehearsal room. Alsager Youth Theatre, based in Alsager Community Church Hall, and Sandbach Youth Theatre, based in Sandbach Town Hall, are both for youngsters aged seven to 11.

The groups help young people build a range of theatre skills including improvisation, voice and speech, characterisation and movement. It also teaches youngsters how to work effectively as a team, develop communication skills and build self confidence.

Members get the chance to attend workshops and tread the boards of Crewe’s Lyceum stage – as well as perform at other local venues and regional festivals.

CEYT is extremely popular and has a reputation for imaginative performance work. No previous experience is necessary and there are no auditions needed. 

CEYT teenage member Imogen Traynor-Barry Said: “Performing at the Lyceum is immense and I look forward to it every year. We work hard throughout the term for this and I can’t wait.”

Tickets for the celebration event, priced £5 for adults and £3 for concessions, are available from the Lyceum’s box office on 01270 537333.

Anyone interested in joining Cheshire East Youth Theatre should ring co-ordinator Hayley Lindley on 07709180296 or email her at: ceyt@cheshireeast.gov.uk

The CEYT autumn term runs from September 5 to December 14 and costs £40 (£20 concessions) per person for the term.