The Summer Youth Project take to the stage. Photo credit: Peter Mould

Summer success at Hastings White Rock

The dust has settled after the White Rock’s 2024 Summer Youth Project the biggest and most successful project to date where over 100 young performers filled the venue for two weeks.

This year’s production of Roald Dahl’s Charlie and the Chocolate Factory saw the highest ticket sales for an SYP since the initiative started in 2003 with The Wind in the Willows. Over 3000 attendees came to see the heartwarming show about a boy and his grandpa who go on an unforgettable adventure at Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory.

The in-house project is produced and managed by a professional team of creatives, technicians, and chaperones. It would also not exist without the audience’s support and local sponsors from the community – so a huge thank you to everyone who makes this possible!

The performances were well-received by audiences. Gemma Morris, presenter on Box Office Radio, said: “The production was incredible. Harry, who was playing Willy Wonka, I think we’re going to be seeing him in the West End.”

Harry Gentry as Willy Wonka | Photo credit: Peter Mould

Leanne Atkins said: “It’s the best amateur production I have ever seen!”

Lorna King remarked: “Better than the production we saw in London years ago.”

The show was also the first under the leadership of new venue operators, The Guildhall Trust, whose ethos is to inspire, entertain, and transform lives. With support from the Trust, the White Rock was able to invest in an advanced set for the project, including a lift for the magical elevator scene, and a full LED video screen.

Venue Director Nadine Passley commented on the project’s success: “The Summer Youth Project is always an annual highlight. Every department in the building contributed and worked together to help the Learning and Participation Team produce these shows.”

“The result is not only five fantastic performances – the young participants also have the unique summer experience of rehearsing and staging a full-scale musical on the main stage while building their confidence and making friends.”

The Summer Youth Project Company 2024 | Photo credit Peter Mould

The title of next year’s project is still to be confirmed, but there is already a sense of excitement around what it might be. The best way to stay up to speed with all that goes on at the White Rock, including Learning and Participation and the Summer Youth Project, is by signing up to the database at Whiterocktheatre.org.uk

Watch our short film about this year’s project here:

Text and photos supplied by The White Rock Theatre

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