CHALLENGES! exhibition by young people has opened at a Newbury theatre

CHALLENGES! exhibition by Young People has opened at New Era Theatre Foyer.

Young people’s artwork is being celebrated in a show at Newbury’s delightful - and still largely unknown, even after 50 years! - little theatre in Wash Common. The exhibition has the intriguing title of Challenges! - because so much of what young people - indeed, any of us - do, can be classified as challenges.

A bit of history: before New Era theatre foyer was built on the side of the old red brick chapel, enthusiastic theatre audiences had to wait in the cold and rain to enter the atmospheric theatre (which holds 50 seats) with its plush push-up seats. So thank goodness for the foyer!

Nowadays New Era’s expectant audiences gather in the foyer prior to watching the productions, and over the last 16 years many local artists have appreciated exhibiting (and selling) their well-lit artwork on its bright walls.

History apart, this is the first time New Era Theatre foyer will provide the public with the opportunity to see local young people’s photography, paintings, prints, drawings and raised relief.

The young people come from all local schools, and the exhibition runs until Sunday, June 22, with the Open Evening on 2nd, followed by a chance to see it again during Saturday morning drinks and nibbles (June 7 and 21).

The exhibition will remain on show to the New Era theatre audiences who are keenly anticipating the three One-Act plays, between June 12 and 22. Here’s a taster of the art show:

Curator Lauraine Klugman said she wanted to express grateful thanks to the young people, to their teachers, especially Patricia McKenna at Mary Hare school for the deaf and to Open Studios 2025.