MARION SAUVEBOIS meets a new theatre group with a mission

A NEW troupe has broken onto the Swindon scene to foster and nurture young adults’ talent.

Gatecrash has a simple yet ambitious goal – to ensure young artists are offered opportunities to perform and fill the void left in the town for actors aged between 18 and 30.

“I believe that Swindon has a huge amount of decent outlets for children and teenagers who are interested in the performing arts but that these young people reach around 18 and begin to enter a void,” said director Laura Barnes.

“It is at this point that we lose so much talent as each of these individuals may either head off to uni or drama school or stay in the town and potentially have the creativity zapped from them as they enter the daily grind of nine to five.”

She added: “Gatecrash aims to seek out, embrace, encourage and develop these young adults to continue to be creative – whether that’s as part of a career choice or as a hobby.”

Laura and her team are now hoping to uncover raw talent at the troupe’s first auditions at Commonweal School on December 15.

Weekly rehearsals will take place on Tuesday evenings and start in the New Year.

“As we are brand new, this is a very exciting time to join us,” said Laura, who worked as education and outreach leader for Sixth Sense Theatre for Young People before starting the new company.

“We do audition, the reason being is we want people who adore theatre, creativity and performing. We also want each of our members to be sure this is right for them.

“We want a group of like-minded people from all different walks of life and career choices.”

Gatecrash will stage two productions each year.

“At this stage we are planning one in the summer as an intensive project for Gatecrash members and other local people aged 18 to 30 who want to be involved,” said Laura.

“The summer project will always be put together by a professional team of director, producer, designer.

“The second production in the winter is meant as a development of the summer project.

“This time the company will form their own production team from directors to writers.

“Long term we are thinking of developing shows for festivals and potentially even tours.

“All of the productions will be opt in or out for our members as I understand that for many other commitments may dictate how much they can do.”


 To audition, visit gatecrashtheatre.co.uk and go to the contact page where a form can be completed. Alternatively email laura@
gatecrashtheatre.co.uk or call 07824702851.