Newbury Youth Theatre fly the flag at Edinburgh Fringe

It’s been a wonderful week in Edinburgh for Newbury Youth Theatre. This is the first time they have taken younger members to perform at the Fringe and they have all had an exhausting, challenging and rewarding time. Artistic director ROBIN STRAPP sends his second report from the Fringe.

The company have formed new friendships while living together as a theatre company. Each day they have been selling the show on the Royal Mile alongside many other theatre companies and street performers and talked to hundreds of people about the show and have given away 10,000 fliers – quite an achievement.

The shows they have seen have made them think about important issues, been exciting and laugh-out-loud funny.

The audiences have been so supportive and we even had a sold out show and a standing ovation. Some of their reviews online included: “Superb family friendly show” and “A fun show with fantastic young actors who delivered a performance to remember. A must see.”

Katrina Finlay, an ex-youth theatre member from many years ago came to see the show and commented, “NYT were fab! I felt a bit teary and emotional watching as every single one of them is so talented and it’s so NYT.”

In Ben Ludlow’s review for Broadway Baby he said: “A talented young ensemble dealing in thought provoking matters. After a cacophony of communication from the company (lovely opening) we explore these situations. Generational divide between elderly Cat Lady and her 12 year old grandson. Off to the Great War next and an interchange of letters from the Western Front. These encourage eight year old Effie to think that her dad is fighting an enormous dragon rather than the Germans. Then three shipwrecked islanders all communicate through letters poked into bottles. An interesting sequence of stories explored fruitfully by an ensemble to tell good tales.”

The company had an enjoyable picnic on the meadows, a beautiful park in the centre of the city, and the weather has been hot and sunny. A trip to Musselburgh beach was great fun walking out to the sea, skimming stones and looking for crabs a welcome change from the frenetic atmosphere of the city.

They have visited the ancient cathedral, had a movie night back at the flats including popcorn and hot chocolate and were filmed for a TikTok clip on the Mile and explored the city.

We kept in contact with everyone through our group chat and I asked the youngsters if they would like to comment on their experiences at the Fringe.

Twelve-year-old Amelia said: “this is one of the most exciting things I’ve ever done. I’ve learnt new skills and have made loads of new friends. I can’t wait to come back next year.”

Georgie (17) felt: “As a deaf person I have never felt like I have belonged somewhere outside of my school community. Taking part in the Fringe has hugely helped with my confidence and I now feel I belong to a community who love doing theatre.”

Amber (15) has “loved living in Edinburgh in such a beautiful city with stunning architecture buzzing with thousands of festival goers, it really can’t get much better. The catering has been amazing and incredibly organised. It makes me feel very proud and lucky to be part of this memorable trip.”

Tom (15) said: “It’s a total blast and a must do for any young actor, a truly unique experience.”

Joining the company only two weeks before the Edinburgh trip Riya (13) assisted in the technical crew, operating the lighting as a true professional and helping with the ‘get ins’ and striking the set.

As part of helping the local community NYT gave complimentary tickets to ‘cared for children’ to allow them to see shows during the festival.

Director Tony Trigwell-Jones, commenting at the end of the run, said: “This year has been incredibly rewarding sharing landmark moments in the lives of some of our members.

“They have all been exposed to a diversity of world-class theatre. They have been moved to tears in both catharsis and laughter, as well as cementing lifelong friendships. It’s been a privilege to have shared these experiences with them, as it is every year.”

I’m tremendously proud of their achievements and seeing them develop as young people and am looking forward to the adventure in 2023."