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Housebuilder’s donation to help Wolverhampton’s Central Youth Theatre remember the city’s WW1 heroes

Wolverhampton Central Youth Theatre group has received a donation from a regional housebuilder to help them use their artistic skills to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One. Central Youth Theatre, which has been running for more than 30 years in the city, was chosen by Persimmon Homes West Midlands to receive a £500 donation through its match-funding Community Champions scheme. The youth theatre is working with more than 50 young people to stage three shows as part of Wolverhampton’s Armed Forces Day on Saturday, June 30. They will also be contributing to events being held in the city on November 11. The shows have been created through research into the history of local families directly affected by the war. Two of the shows will take place in St Peter’s Collegiate Church and the former Sunbeam Factory courtyard, Penn Road. Central Youth Theatre spokeswoman Jane Ward said: “To enhance the performances and sustain the work over the year, we are looking to buy 12 solider silhouettes to commemorate the local fallen and help educate all generations about why they made the ultimate sacrifice. “The silhouettes will be used in the performances and then remain in the church pews throughout 2018 as well as a small historical exhibition. We are delighted that Persimmon Homes has been able to support our work in this way.” Stephen Cleveley, director-in-charge at Persimmon Homes West Midlands, said: “Central Youth Theatre is well known in the city and it is clear that this poignant work will not only put the spotlight on the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One but also on the city’s fallen heroes.” The youth theatre works with youngsters aged eight to 25 years and for more than 30 years they have worked with over 2,500 young people, staged more than 200 productions and travelled to more than 16 countries to attend more than 45 international youth theatre festivals. Stephen added: “We would also urge anyone who was unsuccessful last month with their Community Champions application, to visit the Persimmon Homes website and to try again.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Judith Sanders .