It’s now nearly 2 weeks after the Shakespeare Festival. It takes time after a production to firstly, sleep normally again and secondly, to get used to the fact that the play and everyone in it, is not with you all the time! Actors and directors alike feel this quite strongly. It’s like something important has been suddenly, and without reason, taken away from your life. The world carries on spinning but (without being a proper luvvie!) it feels like you’re grieving.

Sorry, I’ll get a grip!

The Tinderbox Youth Theatre spent so much time together over the course of the past 3 months. I saw many friendships formed. The children developed a sense of commitment and love for the rehearsal process and of what we were creating together. They asked questions while we rehearsed- ‘Could we act like this here?’ ‘I get it now-is that why he does that?’ Oh my goodness, these children were thinking like actors and developing the story themselves.

And then the performances! The focus and energy!! Acting needs both skills and ALL the actors had it in bucket loads. Whether, 6 or 16 years old, the children just went for it and proved that Shakespeare is for everyone and that children are capable of so much. There were times when I was watching them, that it made my heart beat faster- their commitment to their character and play made me so very proud.

Congratulations to all the Youth Theatre. I can’t wait to see what you can do next!