Tolethorpe Hall hosts summer school sessions for young actors

Young actors will be treading the boards at Tolethorpe Hall next week as part of the venue's first summer holiday workshops.

Tolethorpe Youth Drama is hosting two weeks of sessions at the open-air theatre.

This week focussed on learning theatre skills from the professionals before the youngsters perform their own show next week.

Principal Mary Benzies said: “The summer festival is about giving young people the chance to use the fantastic facilities at Tolethorpe and perform on the stage during the season."

Professional teachers included character artist Gary Avis, director Bill Clark, television cameraman Andy Harlow, West End leading lady Nicky Adams, fight coordinator Philip D'Orleans and costume designer Miriam Spring Davies.

Sixty-eight children registered for the workshops, including 15-year-old Michael Heslop who travelled from Norwch to take part.

He said: “To learn from such amazing professionals is a great opportunity.”

The workshop also attracted Tolethorpe Youth Drama's regular members.

Oakham schoolgirl Sophie West-Sadler, 13, said: “I’ve grown up with Tolethorpe and performed since I was three.

"It’s good to come here and meet people who share the same passion as you.”

Eleven-year-old Zara Hakim, of Thurlby, added: “I’ve made lots of new friends. It’s like another family.

“I’d love to perform here at Tolethorpe and in the West End one day."

Mary aims to create a year-round programme at Tolethorpe.

In October she will launch a Theatre Makers Programme for 16 to 22-year-olds who will stage a production of Lord of the Flies at Tolethorpe Hall next summer.

Rehearsals will take place on Monday evenings, three days at Easter and two weeks in July. To find out more email tyd@stamfordshakespeare.co.uk

Stamford Shakespeare Company's performances of Twelfth Night, Julius Caeser and Blithe Spirit continue throughout August.