Chitty Chitty Bang Band performed by The White Rock Theatre Summer Youth Project

Summer youth project brings hit show to life!

The White Rock Theatre’s (WRT) annual Summer Youth Project began in 2003 and has become a highlight of its Youth and Community Programme with more than 1900 youngsters taking part since the start! This year’s production, reports the WRT, is the family favourite Chitty Chitty Bang Bang – complete with a flying car! 

The two week long project offers participants an artistic outlet during summer holidays, as well as the experience of working in a professional theatre. It culminates in four performances of a full-scale musical on the main stage under the direction of a skilled and professional team. For the third year running the director is Hastings panto legend and esteemed actor Ben Watson.

The Project is self-funded and not-for-profit. The ethos behind it has always been to provide the best possible training and experience, at the lowest possible cost to participants.  It is a great opportunity to explore all aspects of Performing Arts, and provides a good foundation for those wishing to pursue a career in this field. Several previous participants have gone on to gain scholarships with prominent theatrical schools, and many have achieved successful careers in the creative industries. Toby Mocrei, the WRT’s  ‘Oliver’ from 2017, is currently touring the UK as ‘Bruce’ in the hit production of Matilda and has been offered a place at a prestigious theatre school.

Participants come from all over Kent and East Sussex. There are also two regular participants who audition via video link each year – one from New York City and one from Bangkok. Theatre Director, Gavin Shuman, says “As the preparations get underway for this year’s fantastic youth theatre show, we can’t wait to see the delight as audiences get to see Chitty fly! With Grease setting a new box office record for our Summer Youth Theatre last year, we expect Chitty to be a truly scrumptious success this summer.”

Thurs 15 – Sat 17 August
White Rock Theatre, Hastings

Also in: Community Arts