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Moonstruck!

There has always been a great tradition of theatre in East and South East London. Throughout the region, local communities have long been (and continue to be) energised by the vibrancy and diversity of theatre companies. People who take care to ensure their activities are rooted in the experience, lifestyle and aspirations of local people – particularly the young – stimulating their interest in the arts and providing platforms for personal and professional development.

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One such company is  ‘Half Moon Young People’s Theatre’ who, to quote their mission statement, ‘aim to produce and present professional theatre for and with young people that informs, challenges and shapes their artistic potential, placing these creative experiences at the core of the company’s policies and practices.’

They tour two productions nationally (one for teenagers in the autumn and one for early years in the spring) alongside showcasing work by other companies in their Limehouse venue from September to April. Half Moon are especially committed to their roots in the community offering inclusive projects and youth theatres for young people, such as ’ Summer University’ a course for disabled young people or projects for teenagers on ‘Careers in Theatre’. They also develop intriguing initiatives such as working with schools to deliver elements of the Science curriculum – one such programme (‘Touching Science’ for under 7s) culminated in a multi-sensory installation at Half Moon’s home base.

As Chris Elwell, Director of Half Moon emphasises, “Half Moon’s work reflects the diversity of the young people we work with and for. The dynamic range of shows and projects we run offer exciting opportunities for our young people, audience members and professionals to get involved with theatre that connects directly with its local community and beyond.”

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