Have you attended the theatre this year? I’d guess the majority of you have, seeing as at least 63% of the UK population have made at least one theatre visit this year alone. Theatre is one of the UK’s biggest industries, having brought in a revenue of £1.28 billion in 2018. 

 

I’m sure most, if not all, people reading this article have been to the theatre at least once in their life, whether it be a West End theatre, a touring company or even a classic pantomime. But what would theatre be without its talented performers, especially the young and upcoming stars? I have seen a large number of talented young people who I’m sure will have a bright future in theatre. 

 

Activate Theatre is just one of many youth theatre groups across the country. Based in the North East of England, Activate offers classes for a wide variety of ages from as young as 4 years old. The three groups are Mini Stars (for 4-7 years), Rising Stars (for 8-14 years) and Shooting Stars (for 12-18 years). The groups offer acting, singing and dance group lessons as well as 1-2-1 LAMDA classes and opportunities to gain qualifications. 

 

Originally set up in 2010 by Patrick and Louise Rimmington-Kane, Activate started out as a small drama club based in Langley Park. They decided to set up this group as they found that there were no performing arts classes in their local area and so used their skills to create a job that worked around not only the local community, but also their family. After around a year, they decided to expand the class so they provided another session for a wider age group and now offer a number of classes for a variety of age groups in different locations across Durham. Activate also runs different educational events and projects within the community, and runs events at Ushaw Historic House. 

 

There’s something to do all year round with Activate as they run classes in the school term, run summer schools in the holidays and other seasonal events at Easter, Christmas and Halloween. Last month, the “Shooting Stars” group performed in a Halloween Scare Trail at Ushaw Historic House, which was rated to be the 3rd best Halloween event in the country for kids by The Times. 

 

It was also recently announced that the Shooting Stars group are beginning to work on their production of “Legally Blonde Jr”, which is to be performed in 2024. Both of the other groups are working on their festive roles, as the Mini Stars are performing “The Dash to Save Christmas” and the Rising Stars are performing a panto show of “Far Far Away”. 

 

There’s clearly a lot going on with Activate, and so much for people to see. If you feel like supporting some local talented youth, maybe think about looking into their upcoming shows and give them a visit!