2013 brings the start of research for The Projectionist, an exciting VYPT venture that combines public performances with learning a whole bunch of new skills. With the help of Justin Hughes (from Worcestershire County Council's History Centre) the group has been finding out how to interview and record oral history, and talking to local older people about their memories of cinema. The result has been some truly fantastic stories, including that of Normal Holly (see the picture above), who used to be a projectionist at The Regal in Evesham, He's 81 and met his wife working at the cinema, where she was an usherette. These and other stories have inspired the group to create a piece all about cinema, incorporating local people's memories of classic films, usherettes, kids' clubs, and dating on the back row. This summer, VYPT will tour a short performance and workshop to care homes in Worcestershire and Herefordshire, and take the chance to chat to residents about cinema in the1940s and 50s. This, and the group's ongoing research, will provide material for a show next year called The Projectionist.