‘It’s so important for our city to have accessible arts spaces for young people’

Bristol-based Travelling Light Theatre Company‘s youth theatre saw humble beginnings as a temporary building setup.

Now, it has grown into a thriving hub facilitating weekly dramatic sessions, providing creative opportunities and encouraging friendship building for young people.

The group says its ethos hasn’t changed since it’s roots – everyone is welcome and it’s all about taking part.

On its 20th anniversary, those that passed through the youth theatre groups share their thoughts and experiences.

Non-binary writer, performer and theatre maker Travis Alabanza, who has also worked with the likes of Alok Vaid-Menon, performer and author of Beyond the Gender Binary, was one such alumnus.

Travis was a regular at the company between 2008-2012, when they were aged 13-17. Travis grew up in Hillfields, Fishponds and is currently promoting a bestselling book. They say the youth theatre was the only local activity their family could afford when they were growing up.

“It’s so important for our city to have accessible arts spaces for young people”, says Travis, who’s debut show won an Edinburgh Fringe award.

They credit Travelling Light with giving them their first opportunity to create their own work.

“It’s so important for our city to have accessible arts spaces for young people” says Travis Alabanza – photo: Nicky Ebbage

“We got to write, direct and cast our own show – and it launched at The Fire Station then Tobacco Factory theatres. I remember it vividly because it felt like a huge deal to be able to put on our own work.

“I hadn’t ever really been around artistic people and it helped me realise that it was allowed and that there were different people in the world.”

Bradley Greening was also a member of the youth theatre company for eight years before returning as a volunteer and assistant with the youth theatre groups.

He said: “It was a space where I could feel truly comfortable in being myself and felt more able to put myself out there with ideas or making friends.”

“I went on to study theatre at university, primarily because of my experience at Travelling Light. Volunteering was often the highlight of my week and it felt incredibly special working with the young people.”

“I always look forward to seeing the ideas that young people share from their brilliant imaginations”, says executive director Dienka Hines – photo: Travelling Light Theatre Company

Ada, 16, is a current regular and explains: “I think it’s definitely helped me with public speaking because I used to be quite shy but now I can do assemblies and showcases.

“Even though it’s youth theatre, it’s not just about creating theatre. It’s about growing as a person with your confidence and having fun and learning new skills.”

Travelling Light’s youth theatre groups initially launched as a result of government funding for Barton Hill. Acclaimed south west storyteller Martin Maudsley ran the very first session and it was such a success, the theatre company quickly added a second group.

As of this year, the company now operates four separate sessions each week. Alongside its youth theatre sessions, Travelling Light also works in schools.

Dienka Hines, executive director at Travelling Light remarked: “I always look forward to seeing the ideas that young people share from their brilliant imaginations.”

Beyond its youth theatre work, Travelling Light has been at the forefront of professional theatre for young audiences since 1984, touring award-winning productions to schools, theatres and festivals around the UK and internationally.

A Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic co-production, Belle & Sebastien will be showing at Bristol Old Vic from December 2 to January 8, 2023.

Main photo: Theatre Light Travelling Company

Read next: Bristol Old Vic Theatre School presents its 16th annual Directors’ Festival

Listen to the latest Bristol 24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: