Whetstone Theatre Youth Group

The Whetstone Drama Youth Group is a vibrant and enthusiastic group of around 30 young performers aged 8 to 16. We provide opportunities for young people to develop their confidence, creativity and performance skills in a supportive and inclusive environment. Many of our members have also gone on to perform with Whetstone Drama’s adult company and other theatre groups throughout Leicester and Leicestershire.​‌

 

The Youth Group was founded in 2006 by one of Whetstone Drama’s founding members, Norma Lawrence, alongside her son Paul. Their first full-scale production, Annie, was a tremendous success and marked the beginning of an exciting theatrical journey. This was followed by The Dracula Rock Show in 2007, Blood Brothers in 2008 and Hood in 2009.

After a brief break, the group returned in 2011 with From West End to Broadway, showcasing a variety of musical favourites. In early 2012, they staged the much-loved pantomime Aladdin. Norma and Paul’s final production with the group came in 2013 with the powerful drama My Boy Jack, a memorable production that even toured local village churches, bringing theatre to audiences across the surrounding area.

​

Later that year Sandra Sutcliffe took on the role of Youth Lead and directed a fresh and entertaining adaptation of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory entitled The Five Golden Tickets. The Youth Group also became part of the popular biannual Whetstone Christmas Variety Show, delighting audiences with their energy and talent.

 

In 2014, the group returned to the stage with Ian Fleming’s beloved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. The production was a sell-out success, praised for its memorable characters and outstanding performances. The following year, they tackled Charles Dickens’ classic Oliver! bringing together singing, dancing, drama and suspense in a production that captivated audiences.

​

A new chapter began in 2018 when Ben Cutler-Thomas, one of Whetstone Drama’s newest directors at the time, led the Youth Group in The Wizard of Oz. The ambitious production challenged not only the cast but also the set-building and technical teams. Running for four nights, it set a new benchmark for productions across the entire society.

In 2019, the Youth Group starred in The Blitz Club, an original musical written by Whetstone Drama’s own Mel Wale and directed by Carrie Peters. The production was a resounding success, and one of the cast members received the Best Youth Performance award at the 2020 NANDA Awards.

Plans for Charlie and the Chocolate Factory were well underway in 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic brought live theatre to an unexpected halt. Like theatres across the country, Whetstone Drama was forced to close its doors. However, following the easing of restrictions in 2021, the trustees worked tirelessly to reopen the theatre and the Youth Group finally brought Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to life before a live audience. The production was a truly spectacular celebration of resilience, creativity and the return of community theatre.

​

In 2022, Whetstone Drama celebrated its Diamond Anniversary, marking 60 years of theatre-making. The Youth Group proudly took part in the anniversary production of Oklahoma!, joining generations of performers in commemorating this significant milestone.

​

Since then, the Youth Group has continued to flourish, taking part in a variety of productions and providing young people with opportunities to develop their confidence, creativity and passion for theatre. As the group continues to grow, it remains an important part of the Whetstone Drama family and an inspiring platform for the next generation of performers.