Lincolnista the guide to Lincoln, UK.

Neon Youth Theatre

Wednesday, 24th March 2010 Written by: Bella Jay

A youth theatre production usually consists of a mediocre performance of Olive Twist, a modern take on a Shakespeare classic, or some life-draining play that no one has ever heard of.

Neon Youth Theatre doesn’t just go against this stereotype; they trample all over it with their all singing, all dancing, and very talented feet.

No place like home’ is the play written and produced by members of Neon who are all aged between 11 and 25. The play was shown for three nights to sell out audiences at Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

‘No place like home’ is based around life in one street, with an array of hilarious characters and some truly hard hitting moments. A series of events leads to one character tragically taking his own life; but before this, the audience is treated to old age pensioners dancing to hip-hop, and brilliant one- liners from the streets resident chavs, who are vile enough to rival Vicky Pollard.

Toby Ealden is the director of Zest Creative Arts which runs Neon Youth Theatre, and he also directed the play. Toby helped get the funding from the Youth Opportunities fund, to create a youth drama group which people from all backgrounds could join, as the fees are really low. Neon was born and started in June 2008.

Toby said, “The low fees enable young people from any part of the city to access a high quality youth theatre group. Because we get funding to allow us to put on a big show every year, these kids only have to pay £2 a week, instead of £95 a term like other local groups.”  Toby’s aim was to have a youth group where the creative control came from the kids themselves. He said, “They write and produce all their own shows, so everything is based on their ideas. It’s managed by the kids, and then the professional team at Zest Creative Arts help them manage the money and spend it wisely, so they get the all round experience of theatre production.”

Jess Wood helped Toby get funding for Neon, and is a self confessed youth theatre addict since. She said, “I love it so much, and I don’t ever want to leave. It’s what I live for; I don’t do anything else but this! We love welcoming new people, we are like a family and that’s what we run our basis on.” 

Jamie Cook wrote all the songs and lyrics for ‘No place like home’, which for a lad still at school, is very impressive. He loves the creative opportunities given to everyone in the group, and that Neon isn’t just about reading from a script.  He said, “I wrote all the original songs for the production which adds to the individuality of Neon. I’ve been privileged enough to work alongside a professional producer, and now my music is played by a live band throughout the play.”  Jamie added, “The group is amazing with the support it gives people to help them grow and gain experience. I wrote one song, and now I’ve written a soundtrack, it’s brilliant.”

The sense of community and togetherness at Neon Youth Theatre was outstanding, and their hard work and passion was clearly visible in the quality of their production.

To get involved you have to be between 11 and 25 years of age. Visit their website at http://www.zestcreativearts.org.uk or give them a ring on 01522 569590.