Leith-based charity Strange Town uses theatre and the arts as a way of giving children and young people the chance to develop their creative talent.
The organisation was founded by local Directors Steve Small and Ruth Hollyman, who set it up with the mission of increasing access to life-enriching experiences in the arts for everyone, putting on accessible activities, a range of bursaries and financial assistance for young actors at an early stage in their careers, but who often find the financial barriers to launching their careers unaffordable.
The organisation has expanded across the last 15 years and now reaches over 2,000 local young people every year. Activities include youth theatre classes, holiday programmes, a touring company and agency support for young actors. The charity has helped develop the careers of some of the capital’s best-known local talent including Tallulah Greive and Lewis Gribben.
Strange Town says it “creates work of the highest quality that is both daring and entertaining, tackling subjects of importance to young people’s lives, such as consent, climate change anxiety and knife crime, vitally involving and commissioning emerging writers”.
The charity will mark their 15th year with a special three-night run of their acclaimed play “HER”, written by award-winning playwright Jennifer Adam. Initially touring secondary schools across the city, HER is an important play about the damaging effects of gender inequality, the truth about consent and asks: “How can you be the change you want to see in the world when you feel like the world is fighting against you?”
Steve Small said “We are so proud of the activities and support we have delivered across the last fifteen years. Edinburgh is well-known as an epicentre for creative talent and opportunity; we have just had one of the busiest ever Fringe festivals where our city comes alive with performance and celebration of the arts, yet for many young people living here all year round these opportunities just do not exist.
“Arts organisations are struggling to sustain their support. We are seriously under-funded in this country and without programmes like ours, young people, especially those from socio-economically deprived backgrounds would be unable to benefit from the life-enriching experiences of participating in youth theatre. When young people join Strange Town, they are given the opportunity to connect with others in-person, to have fun, build key life skills, grow in confidence and feel a sense of belonging. Many would never contemplate a career in the arts without our support.
“Our touring company productions are carefully created to engage to spark discussion and debate around difficult subject matter. We are delighted that we’ve been given the opportunity to revive ‘HER’ this October and encourage all local people, theatre-goers and those keen to learn more about us, to come to a show and help support our work across the next 15-years.”
Strange Town’s Touring Company will perform ‘HER’ at the Tech Cube in Summerhall for three-nights only 8-10 October. Open to everyone age 14+, ticket details will go live soon – keep an eye on Strange Town’s social media for details.
All proceeds go towards the charity’s vital work with young people living across Edinburgh.
