A PERFORMING arts charity for young people has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

Whitehaven Theatre of Youth marked the occasion at Whitehaven Golf Club on October 21 with current members, their families, past members, friends and supporters.

The evening will included a short performance by current members with musical numbers the group have performed over the years.

News and Star: Whitehaven Theatre of Youth - Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2010Whitehaven Theatre of Youth - Thoroughly Modern Millie in 2010 (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)

Entertainment was provided by some past members of the group who are now Junior Leaders.

Fundraising is a crucial part of the survival of the group, which is fortunate to have a team of hard-working parents who arrange a variety of events throughout the year which not only raise much needed funds but provide family friendly activities enjoyed by members and friends of the group.

Recently, they were delighted to receive a cheque for £10,000 from The Mark Benevolent Fund, the official charity of the Grand Lodge of Mark Master Masons, a masonic organisation based at Mark Masons' Hall in London. To date this is the most generous donation the group has received.

News and Star: Whitehaven Theatre of Youth's new home at Haig Enterprise Park is officially opened by Brad Kavanagh on July 14, 2014Whitehaven Theatre of Youth's new home at Haig Enterprise Park is officially opened by Brad Kavanagh on July 14, 2014 (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)

Recognition was made to the volunteers who steer this group of youngsters performing regularly for the local community and charity groups. There was a formal presentation at the WToY headquarters based at Haig Enterprise Park.

WToY was established by way of a workshop in the half-term school holidays at the Whitehaven Theatre Group premises on Esk Avenue.

This consisted of a week where the participants were involved in singing, dancing, acting, stagecraft activities and culminated in a certificate presentation in front of parents at the end of the week.

News and Star: Whitehaven Theatre of Youth perform at the West Cumberland Hospital Protest March in Whitehaven on June 14, 2015Whitehaven Theatre of Youth perform at the West Cumberland Hospital Protest March in Whitehaven on June 14, 2015 (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)

The workshop still continues annually but in the summer holidays at their own premises and is open to non-members. Past members and senior members of the group are able to assist with a varied programme of activities including set building, and a short themed, full costumed production is performed at the end of the week for the families of the children who attend.

Judith Henderson, one of the founder members of the group says, “The success of the group is teamwork and discipline. We have always had policies and procedures that are needed to operate a group like this alongside the essential safeguarding required for child protection.

“All of this is delivered by a group of leaders, who themselves have had considerable performing arts experiences. We are affiliated to NODA (Northern Operatic Dramatic Association), and they have an annual awards ceremony which is like the amateur version of the Oscars.

News and Star: Whitehaven Theatre of Youth perform at the concert in the Civic Hall, Whitehaven 'West Cumbria Entertains' remembering those killed on June 2, 2010Whitehaven Theatre of Youth perform at the concert in the Civic Hall, Whitehaven 'West Cumbria Entertains' remembering those killed on June 2, 2010 (Image: The Whitehaven News archive)

“We have had quite a few of our members nominated for credible performances in our musicals. Indeed, we have had past members going on to perform in the West End and who have acknowledged the part we have played in their performing arts journey.”

WToY has an incredibly long waiting list of youngsters keen to start with the group and premises they have almost outgrown.

A longer term vision is to have bigger premises that would allow storage of their wardrobe of costumes, scenery and props, a committee room, office and two spacious rehearsal rooms.