In 2010, I joined Vamos Young People’s Theatre, Vamos’s training group for 15-21 year olds. Rachael - who was running VYPT at the time - also happened to be my lecturer at university and persuaded me to join. That first year was exciting and I was hooked! VYPT was always so much more than the regular drama group; all members were given the opportunity to devise, direct and be part of producing the end product. I learnt that year - and in the years to follow - how the industry worked, that I loved mask, and with a bit of guidance I could do anything I really put my mind to.

VYPT was so successful in preparing young people for the world of professional arts that members were soon flying the nest to start up their own theatre companies, go to drama school and audition for professional shows. It was clearly time to start a new group, and in 2015 the baton was passed to me to do so. We decided on beginning with a younger age group, starting at 9 years old, so as to have more time to nurture skills and confidence over a longer period, and with the help of the Vamos team I now run VYPT 9-13. This is our first year and it has been really exciting. We have chosen to be part of WorldWar100 a project run by The Hive, Worcester to commemorate the 100th anniversary of World War One. The group, as the original VYPT did, take responsibility for the research and devising of the piece which will be performed at The Hive and the Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on the 20th and 21st July.

We’ve journeyed into the past, visiting Worcestershire Archives, and were inspired by Vesta Tilley, the Worcestershire born drag performer and music hall star who was famed for her recruitment performances and generosity during the World War One: members compared her to the likes of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé today. We were particularly taken by one lady’s recount of going to the theatre with her husband and seeing Vesta, which led to a heartbreaking conclusion – we knew right away it would make an excellent mask performance, so I shan’t give any more away!

Through our research, VYPT has have learnt a lot about World War One in Worcestershire: the young people have also learnt from scratch how to perform in mask, the techniques that go with it, and how important it is to work as an ensemble. It’s not just been the children that are learning. I have learnt too at every step of the way - each week the young people surprise me, observing one another’s performances, lending a hand at directing, feeding back on scenes and, of course, devising scenes that I wouldn’t have had the imagination to think of.  Each rehearsal, I am reminded by them how important it is to play, use my imagination and not to be afraid to laugh - there has been a fair bit of it I assure you.

With our performances coming up we are all excited and nervous. For many of VYPT it will be their first time on a stage with an audience; for all of them it is their first mask performance. I have no doubt that every member will shine and I couldn’t be prouder.

Kathryn Green

You can see VYPT perform In Dear Old England's Name at The Hive, Worcester on Wed 20th July and at Belgrade Theatre, Coventry on Thursday 21st July as part of Physical Fellowship. For more details, contact us on 01905 312921