BP News

More letters from Big Spirit members

In response to the article about the Youth Theatre in the last newsletter, two more members of Big Spirit wanted to add their comments:

I've been in Big Spirit now for a couple of years, but really it feels like much longer, because the group is so close-knit (but not to the extent that it is exclusive; when I joined I was really made to feel welcome and I think that goes for anyone new who comes along).

I feel that I have developed a lot by being part of the group, both as an actress and more generally, with the level of confidence it has given me to do other things. I think that the workshops continually get better and more interesting, each one really helps you improve in a different way. I'm no dancer, but my movement skills have become much more refined after all the physical workshops we do and I've learnt to really appreciate physical theatre, whereas before I probably would have found it difficult to understand.

One of my favourite things about Big Spirit is the way that everyone has a say in what we do as a group; when we do plays they include lots of people's ideas, not just a single director's. Also the group is really supportive of individual's talents, be they acting, singing, dancing, writing etc. and I know that if I did want to become a professional actress I would get all the help I'd need.

~ Ellie Massie (aged 16 years)

Being involved in Big Spirit has been a joy. As well as giving me something to do on my boring Sundays, It has given me the opportunity to meet new people and make great friends. I have been involved in many plays such as Monopoly, Get Over It and Mr Puntilla. I think The Laramie Project has been my particular favourite production so far. I have also been able to participate in celebrations of VE Day, the 60th Anniversary of the Bancroft Players and act in some crazy murder mystery parties, all of which I have loved.

Being involved in Big Spirit Youth Theatre has also provided the opportunity for regular visits to the theatre, and the potential to perform in the Edinburgh Fringe. This is why I love being part of the youth group, as it has provided me with so many great experiences.

~ Amy Bellwood (aged 18 years)

Also a short reflection from Ben Whishaw contained in letter recently:

I still think of you all…and cherish my Youth theatre memories… and I find myself getting oddly nostalgic for that time at Youth theatre when we were all doing it out of pure passion and enthusiasm, when there was an innocent pleasure in it. It’s sometimes difficult to keep hold of that feeling when it becomes your job. From where I am now I find myself amazed by the ambition and sophistication and intensity of the work we did.

By the way, there is a nice potted history of Ben’s career, including his work with the Youth Theatre, in the online encyclopaedia, Wikipedia.