The Central Youth Theatre of Wolverhampton have been treading the board for thirty years in the West Midlands.

This year (in 2013) they are celebrating their 30th anniversary and we take a whistle stop glimpse back on their triumphant three decades of young people’s participatory theatre and share a rare opportunity to see IT’S GOOD ERE INNIT, a youth drama that the talented theatre group devised and filmed for Channel 4 television back in 1985, and which was subsequently screened in 1986.

In The Beginning There Was The ‘Ward Woman’

At the helm of the Central Youth Theatre since the very beginning is the formidable Jane Ward, MBE. (@twwajane)

Recently recognised in the 2013 Queen’s Birthday honours list, and soon to receive her MBE at Buckingham Palace for outstanding services to the community, Jane has propped up the Youth Theatre financially, emotionally and passionately since the very first sessions began in a small poorly lit room at Wolverhampton’s Darlington Street Methodist Church in 1983.

Former Brewood Girls Convent pupil and Coventry Performing Arts graduate, age 19 Jane began teaching LAMDA drama exam studies privately.  This led her to the idea of bringing together some of her students to take part in drama workshops and see if their was enough interest and commitment to work towards the staging of a play.  Unsurprisingly there was, and in fact at the time no other dedicated year round youth theatre group existed in the large West Midlands then town of Wolverhampton.

There was a summer Youth Theatre supported by the Wolverhampton Education Department which worked towards one big show a year over the summer holidays – but that was about it

A Kick Up the Eighties

Very quickly Jane had a full register of eager young actors and actresses split into age appropriate sessions.  Each group working separately towards difference productions.

Juniors worked on well know texts written especially for youth theatre groups, such as ZIGGER ZAGGER and US AND THEM and seniors mainly created original topic orientated pieces, such as long-term unemployment which was a massive issue in Wolverhampton in the mid-eighties. They had considerble success with the revue sketch style piece NO EXCUSES.

Open to any young person aged 8 to 25, CENTRAL YOUTH THEATRE received some support from the council, in the form of small occasional grants – but initially not regular recognised funding, despite beginning to gain reputation in the region as a well organised and growing youth arts service.

That Ward Woman Again!

CENTRAL YOUTH THEATRE continued to be self financing in the main.  Jane would apply for any funding going, showing her face at every local arts council meeting, and generally chased every opportunity going at the local council, pleading her case for funding.  So much so, that when she did turn up to meetings she actually once heard a council official say – “Oh no, it’s that Ward woman again!.” 

A phrase that still holds well as a way to affectionately sum up Jane’s unrelenting commitment to prucuring every bit of support she can in order to deliver the best possible expereinces for the young people that commit so much to her Youth Theatre.

In order to make CYT totally affordable for almost anyone to participate, CYT now receives some financial support from Wolverhampton City Council, and continues to seek funding from arts council and heritage lottery grants.  However the Youth Theatre relies heavily on all kinds of fundraising efforts to survive.  Here’s how you can help.

Channel 4 It’s Our World

In 1985 The group competed against 500 other youth theatre companies from around the UK to feature in a new international youth drama TV series, IT’S OUR WORLD.  Each episode featuring one story from a group from a different country.

During the process all the different age groups belonging to CYT came together for one magical summer to work alongside the TV producers, and director to develope and devise an original story – IT’S GOOD ERE INNIT.  The drama which was eventually filmed entirely in Wolverhampton and broadcast on Channel 4 as well as in several other countries.

The film, as exciting as it was, marked a keystone event for youth theatre, bringing together the different age groups in a new collaborative approach to the create and perform of drama in a way that still continues to this day.

All Ages, All Backgrounds, All Abilities

Since the making of the C4 film the boundaries of age have remained insignificant in most of CYT’s work, and still today the focus remains firmly on the contribution from ALL members of the the youth theatre and the development and performance of high quality theatre.

Central Youth Theatre is wonderfully inclusive.  It welcomes everyone, and encourages full participation.

There’s no hiding in the corner at CYT, and there is a very strong, ‘roll up your sleeves, all hands to to the deck’ ethos. which cuts through the entire culture of the group

Stunning Original Work

As the group matured, so did the complexity and originality of their productions.

The mix of creative individuals that found their way to CYT brought with them new skills such as music, dance and technical abilities allowing for greater diversity of work, and more emphais on creating new work.

Original musical works such as BRIDGE TO THE BLUES, international festival pieces such as NO MORE US AND THEM to name just two, were devised and created by members under the direction of Jane Ward.

Brave Choice of Productions

Central Youth Theatre must be admired for its brave decsions of productions.

Usually avoiding big musicals, or bog standard texts, and always coming up with something new, fascinating and culturally relevant to both the members and to the West Midlands location.

In recent years the group produced SUNBEAM – A Drama Documentary based on the memories of George Peck, a former employee of the famous Wolverhampton based classic motor car manufacturer.

International Cultural Programme

Central Youth Theatre began a specialised programme of diverse production work and cultural exchange projects in the nineties

The young theatre company are now recognised as one of the UK leaders in forging cultural theatre links with other countries, regularly performing at major national and international festivals in countries such as Austria, Belgium, Ireland, Italy, Czech Republic, Germany, Latvia, Lithuania, Hungary and Russia.

They also host international visits from other groups from across the world here in the West Midlands.

Almost all members of Central Youth Theatre usually get the opportunity to take part in an international project.

Everybody Dance Now

Never one to shy away from ambitious projects, in 2012 the CYT completely outdid themselves by creating a major festival of social dance events to coincide with the Olympic Games and Cultural Olympiad here in the West Midlands.

EVERYBODY DANCE NOW was a year long celebration of the history of social dance in Wolverhampton, devised and run completely by the Central Youth Theatre.

Central Youth Theatre Today

Today Central Youth Theatre, as a registered charity, involves hundreds of young people on a regular basis, and performs work to thousands of people.  It has had several homes over the years, usually ‘almost’ derelict or disused buildings dotted around the City which the council have offered on a temporary basis.

However today CYT, operates from two bases.  One being the fully resourced  Newhampton Arts Centre, which is a shared community arts facility.  Recently CYT have taken on a second space  YT@The Arts Market which provides rehearsal space, office and  houses more than 10,000 theatrical costumes which the group hire out to the community.  However as you will read below, Central Youth Theatre face the very real risk of losing access to both venues under new budget cuts being deployed by Wolverhampton City Council.

Amazing Commitment from Young People of Wolverhampton

It is the commitment and operational involvement that the young participants give to Central Youth Theatre that sets the group apart.  From the very beginning, and more so today then ever, the young people are expected to take ownership of certain elements of the running of the group, and encouraged to understand and learn the responsibilities needed to keep a community group like this running.

It’s also not all about performing either

At Central Youth Theatre there are backstage duties too, lighting designs to be plotted, scenery to be built and stages to be swept.

Young people are charged with all asepcts of theatre production.  For some this is the reason they join, and nevver actual appear in a show at all.  Their efforts are instead focussed on making the show happen from behind the scenes.

This was true of  former member Tim Routledge, and ultimateley helped lead to a major professional career as one of the UKs most sought after lighting designers.  Tim now works the lighting controls for some of the world’s biggest live shows – but still keeps in touch with the youth theatre.

Most people never really leave CYT they just have to do other things in between!

The Central Youth Theatre Extended Family

As well as leading a well run and professional organisation, Jane also proudly retains both a mentoring and friendship with youth theatre members, that for many has lasted well into adulthood.

It is evident by hearing from some of the former members what a profound effect the Youth Theatre and its director has had on their lives.  Many of whom have gone on to study drama in further education establishments, and are now working professionally theatre, film and television, including some that have become award winning lighting designers, television directors, theatre company owners and producers, as well as actors and performers of stage, film and TV.  Those that have not entered the industry have benefited from the social skills and confidence gained from engaging in ‘out-of-school’ youth theatre activity.

Former member Clare Pearson, who now works on productions of major international pop, rock and sporting events – said

Central Youth Theatre gave me the foundation skills that I needed to enter the industry, and they were some of the best years of my life.

Liz Griffiths, former Stage Manager for the RSC and now a leading TV and film set decorator , said

“Central Youth Theatre and Jane Ward are a dear part of my life and both certainly had a major influence on the direction I took in the theatre, film and television industry.”

Even though many members over the last thirty years have gone on to have their own careers in and outside of showbiz, and many now even have their own young families, they regularly keep in touch with the youth theatre.

A special ‘CYT Angels’ scheme has been formed to enable those past members to continue to contribute to the youth theatre of today, offer mentoring and workshops to existing members, or meet up for regular anniversary and past member events.

There are over 150 former members joined up to a special Central Youth Theatre Past Members Facebook group created just for them to keep in touch.

Bitter Sweet Recognition

Five years ago, at the 25th anniversary celebration of the Central Youth Theatre, former member Clare Pearson said –

Without Jane Ward there would be no such place as Central Youth Theatre. The time and dedication she gives to it is outstanding, she deserves a medal!

Five years on this has come very true in the best way possible.  Earlier this year it was revealed that Director Jane Ward had been honoured with an MBE, recognising her outstanding contribution to the youth and community arts.

Youth Theatre in Crisis

However, the royal recognition for Jane Ward is extremely bitter sweet, as it comes at a time of crisis for the Youth Theatre.

Wolverhampton City Council has announced some of the most drastic budget cut proposals that the city has ever experienced.  Clearly arts and community youth based services are predicted to be worst hit.

Not only will funding for such activities be wiped out, but also the bricks and mortar venue in which Central Youth theatre is based, and the store rooms that house the groups thirty year collection of props, costumes ands scenery are likely to be affected.

So for Jane, the MBE that she is so deserving of is shrouded in doom and gloom, as the future of the very thing that she is to receive medal for is in complete doubt.  It is ironic also that the fictional film the group created for television almost 30 years ago, about the struggle with the council to keep the keys to a local youth community venue, looks likely to become a reality in 2014.

West Midlands Theatre will update this article as and when we learn more.

How you can help

In the meantime you can find out more about the current crisis to hit Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre at their Facebook Page, or Twitter Timeline.  You can also find out how you can join the group at the main CYT Website.

You can also download a TREASURE US DON’T LOSE US poster here to use on your own website or Facebook page.

Or why not contact the Youth Theatre directly and ask how you can get involved and help – and perhaps you can be part of the next chapter in the Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre Legacy?