East End kids get taste of theatre for a day as Half Moon reopens

Schoolkids have been getting a taste of what it’s like working in the theatre.

Pupils from schools in London’s East End took part in theatre workshops when Stepney’s Half Moon Young People’s Theatre opened its doors on Saturday.

The youngsters were joined by actor Sylvester McCoy and Bethnal Green & Bow MP Rushanara Ali at the theatre in Whitehorse Road which reopened after extensive refurbishment.

The theatre is also running an annual ‘Careers in Theatre’ programme funded by the Andrew Lloyd Webber Foundation for GCSE pupils, giving practical insight into the Stage.

The older students are allocated responsibility in small groups for different aspects of a stage production, including lighting, sound, set design, stage management, acting and marketing, with professionals on hand to help, then join up to perform a contemporary theatre production.

Schools involved include Sir John Cass Foundation, Central Foundation Girls, Langdon Park, Oaklands, Bow Boys, George Green’s, Mulberry and Bishop Challoner Girls, as well as two schools in neighbouring Newham and Southwark.