Local YMCA Youth group Urban Voice reflects on homelessness through theatrical performance

A youth theatre group based at the North Staffordshire YMCA, Hanley are using their real life experiences of homelessness to star in a theatrical performance at one of Stoke-on-Trent's major venues.

The group called Urban Voice who have only been together since April 2012,  will perform Angel Peak, an abstract piece of theatre that explores the idea of fate, seeing five individuals from different walks of life come together for just one reason.

Established in April 2012 and based at the North Staffordshire YMCA, Urban Voice are a small group of highly talented young people aged 16-22 wanting to engage with the arts, whether that be dance, drama, music or poetry. It is a unique group which dedicates it’s time to offer a platform of learning and exploration through the means of performance. Participants in the group include, Laura Gibson, Kayleigh Pollard, Tim Finney, Sean Parry, Natalie Maddox and Liccy Lockett.

Angel Peak was originally written by Neil Edwards and the group is performing at the Regent Theatre in Hanley on Wednesday July 4th as part of the Bertarelli Foundation Creative Minds Festival. The Festival has bought together a number of creative groups to celebrate over 5 days. 

Drama practitioner Zoe Scott delivered weekly multi-arts workshops in the lead up to The Bertarelli Foundation Creative Minds Festival said “the process throughout this project has been far richer than the final content; the members now present themselves as performers, creative types and have had frequent artistic input into Angel Peak. What makes them unique is the rawness of talent they share, not one week has passed where have not left the session without feeling a strong sense of pride. The journey they have made is incredible and I have no doubt they will continue to grow and flourish!"

Urban Voice member Liccy Lockett said “Zoë’s lessons are awesome and fun, we are learning lots of new skills that are all drama related and can also be used in real life situations. Zoe is a real influence and a great mentor I hope I can continue to work alongside her in the future.”

YMCA North Staffordshire youth engagement worker Lewis Barkway said "one of our values at the YMCA is that opportunity and aspiration is offered and encouraged as widely as possible, by doing this young people recognise that their lives can be greater than they are today. This is a real opportunity for Urban Voice and it's great to see them grasping it with both hands. It's a "must see" and shows just what can be achieved when people are presented with opportunities. We know it's going to be fantastic, and as well as creating nearly a week of top-flight entertainment across a whole range of art platforms, it will create some truly amazing memories for those lucky enough to be participating in it."

The performance on Wednesday 4th JULY 2012 is part of an evening that also includes performances from Art Brazil, Shelton Youth Centre Women’s Group, Burton College, Stoke Sixth Form College and Langdale Primary school       

 It starts at 7.30pm and tickets can be obtained from the Regent Theatre box office by calling  0844 871 7649  or online at http://www.atgtickets.com/shows/creative-minds-theatre-fest/regent-theatre/

ENDS

For more information please contact Lewis Barkway at North Staffs YMCA on 01782 222376.