A WORCESTER theatrical company is launching a new youth section to celebrate its 50th anniversary next year.
Worcester Repertory Company will mark the milestone by forming ‘Young Rep’, to give more performance opportunities to talented youngsters from the city.
Having been founded in 1968 by its first artistic director, John Hole, Worcester Repertory Company has seen illustrious household names such as Celia Imrie, David Harewood, Imelda Staunton, Bonnie Langford and Sean Pertwee take part in its performances.
Now youngsters have the chance to take the spotlight, with the first Youth Rep production of William Shakespeare’s Macbeth being performed in spring 2018.
The play will be given a public run on the main stage of the Swan Theatre and will also receive a special gala performance, to which current and former members of the Worcester Repertory Company, as well as associated VIPs, will be invited.
Ben Humphrey, associate director of the Worcester Repertory Company and the artistic director of Young Rep, said: “Worcestershire has such an incredible base of talent and for the past 50 years the Worcester Repertory Company has provided a home for some of the most talented people in the industry.
“The link between young people in Worcestershire and the professional Rep company has always been an important and vital one.
“This is perhaps best exemplified by the success of Rufus Norris, who joined the professional Rep company from the Swan Youth Theatre and then went on to become the director of the National Theatre, which is arguably one of the best theatrical jobs in the world.”
Mr Norris attended North Bromsgrove High School and Kidderminster College of Further Education, and later trained as an actor at RADA before turning to directing.
Visit www.theyoungrep.co.uk to audition of for more information on Youth Rep.
