During a consultation session held with the young people of Ealing Borough in September 2009, many indicated an interest in seeing West End theatre. As a result, Creativity Connects developed a programme of theatre trips for all age groups. The aim of the theatre programme was to provide young people with skills and experience of any aspect of theatre, in addition to seeing the actual performance itself. With ‘Pride & Prejudice’, staff and young people participated in a bespoke drama workshop at Richmond Theatre before the performance.

They were also given a backstage tour, and spoke with several actors prior to seeing the play itself later that evening. To complement ‘Othello’, staff and young people were given a backstage tour of Trafalgar Studios, and two actors gave a brief talk about their practice, prior to seeing the play itself later that evening.

Prior to seeing the ‘Aladdin’ panto, staff and young people participated in a bespoke panto workshop held at Horizons. The workshop introduced the concept of the panto, and invited the group to stage a scene from ‘Aladdin’, complete with stage sets and costumes.

Early indications from our impact evaluation suggest that these sorts of trips and activities were very effective in promoting enthusiastic participation from the young people. It was also mentioned by the Horizons staff that the role played by the Engine Room through Creativity Connects was vital in ensuring that these sorts of activities could take place. It is very pleasing to know that the work we do appears to have a genuine and real impact on young people.