A youth theatre in Tower Hamlets is using the power of performance to tackle homophobia, cyber bullying and housing issues.

East London Advertiser: A performance at the Chain Reaction Youth Theatre in Bromley-by-Bow. Picture: Chain ReactionA performance at the Chain Reaction Youth Theatre in Bromley-by-Bow. Picture: Chain Reaction (Image: Copyright Marc de Ridder, All Rights Reserved)

Chain Reaction Youth Theatre (CRYT) in Bromley-by-Bow is running free weekly sessions for 11-18-year-olds, to get young people in Tower Hamlets talking about the problems they’re facing.

Participants devise performances around social issues under the guidance of industry professionals, in a bid to use theatre to inspire change. The sessions are designed to improve confidence, communication skills and employability. Three times a year, the young people perform their creations to the public.

The project is run by Chain Reaction, a charity which works to improve the lives of disadvantaged children, and is part-funded by the Aldgate and Allhallows Barking Exhibition Foundation.

Spaces for next term, beginning on September 18, are available now. Sessions run every Tuesday during term-time from 5-6.30pm. To book a place, get in touch via admin@chainreactiontheatre.co.uk.