The Belgrade Theatre’s Community & Education Company is showcasing some of the city’s up and coming young talent in its new production Journey to X, which is running in B2 from Weds 24 to Sat 27 April.
Journey to X has been written by Nancy Harris and directed by Orla O’Connor, the Belgrade’s education officer for young and at risk. It will be performed by members of the Belgrade’s groundbreaking Acting Out programme, which sees the theatre working with young people who are not achieving their full potential within the mainstream education system.
The play tells the story of a group of young friends who are heading to London to audition for the X Factor. But for teenager, Penny, this journey is not simply about finding possible fame and fortune. Her journey has much greater implications for her life as an adult.
Journey to X is a fast-paced play about friendship and growing up in a world where Penny and her friends realise what it means to look after each other, no matter what the cost.
Orla O’Connor said, “This play is a chance for the Acting Out group to show how much they have learnt over the past two years in the world of performing arts. It’s been an exciting and challenging process and a real learning curve for the young people. They’re about to take steps into an adult world where big decisions must be made more frequently and on the Acting Out programme we hope to equip participants with the skills and confidence to make informed decisions in their lives. Journey to X echoes this moment of being on the cusp of adulthood, both for the group and the rest of the young people in the city who are coming to the end of their school life and making choices about the direction their lives will take next.”
Acting Out is the Belgrade’s work-related learning programme that works with young people who are not achieving their full potential within the mainstream education system. Participants are given the opportunity to participate in drama, dance and performing arts business activities and subsequently study for a BTEC Level 2 Diploma in Performing Arts, a qualification which is equivalent to four GCSEs.
Students from schools across Coventry are referred to Acting Out and the young people involved attend one day a week over a period of two years. The programme contributes to raising their confidence levels, their communication ability’s and their performance skills. It also develops their personal skills, building their self-esteem and improving their performance back at school.
As ever with the Belgrade Community & Education Company’s productions, tickets for Journey to X are free, however the theatre will ask for a donation at the end of the performance. All proceeds will go towards supporting the Belgrade’s ongoing work within the local community, which is carried out by the Belgrade Community & Education Company.
Although tickets are free, booking is still advised by calling the Belgrade’s Box Office on 024 7655 3055 or going online at www.belgrade.co.uk.