An inclusive theatre project run between METRO Charity, Eltham Palace for English Heritage National Lottery Funded project Shout Out Loud and the National Youth Theatre has won Best Event, Fesitval or Exhibition at the National Heritage Awards.
The project, called ‘Our House’, was a site-specific immersive theatre piece exploring the LGBTQ+ heritage and history of Eltham Palace. METRO’s Zest young group members, aged 12-16 years, performed in key roles and contributed to the development of the script. They also had the incredible opportunity to work with Artistic Director Kane Husbands and Musical Director/Composer Tristan Parkes.
Nicola Jones, METRO’s Zest Youth Worker, said, “I am incredibly proud of the hard work of METRO Zest members - some as young as 12. They overcame anxieties and participated in up to 9 hour-long rehearsal and performance days. Seeing them in gender-affirming costumes, watching them rise up to the occasion with legends like Rikki Beadle-Blair in the audience was one of my career proudest moments.”
Dr Greg Ussher, METRO’s CEO, commented: “We were all blown away by the energy and creativity of these young people and their performances, and it is the icing on the cake to have this project recognised for a national award. We would particularly like to thank our partners at Eltham Palace and the National Youth Theatre for bringing this project to life and for giving these young people an experience never to be forgotten.”
You can watch ‘Our House’ on our YouTube channel.