Live Theatre youngsters pooling their creative talents

Aug 5 2009 By Sam Wonfor, The Journal

Live Theatre has been taken over by the next generation for its annual celebration of oh-so youthful talent. Sam Wonfor tries not to envy their energy while she previews Live’s Summer Mix Up 2009.

IT WOULD be impossible to spend any time at Live Theatre this week without getting swept up in (or even knocked over by) the almost tangible atmosphere of youthful enthusiasm which has taken over the building.

Before I even get through the Newcastle venue’s automatic doors, I’ve had to sidestep a group of youngsters engaged in a variety of animated conversations and dance moves. Did I not know such a thing didn’t exist, I’d be convinced they had been marinated in drama.

You see, it’s that lovely time of year again which sees a big celebration of Live’s youth-focused work.

This year’s Summer Mix Up (aka the 11th annual Youth Festival) kicks off tomorrow and runs until Sunday.

Offering a veritable feast of opportunities to catch the talents of the next generation of performers and associated creatives, the festival will feature around 150 young people from Live’s youth theatre groups at the venue itself and satellite venues around Tyneside. There’s stand-up comedians, writers, actors, and performers ... and they’re all chomping at the proverbial bit to put the results of their hard work in front of a paying audience.

"It’s really great to see them feeling at home," says Paul James, associate director of Live’s education and participation team.