Breaking the chain: Theatre31's Cookham Wood Project

As drama and performing arts teachers, we often have to argue our corner about the value of our subject and the positive impact that the arts can have on young people. It is great when we can draw on examples of powerful work to support our case in an ever-changing world of EBaccs, STEM subjects and minimum course numbers. The great work being done by Icon Theatre under the Theatre31 group is a terrific example of performance reaching out and engaging young people.

The really exciting element of this project is the fact that it is run by young people for young people, empowering those who have had positive experiences through the arts to inspire others. Based in Medway and Sheppey in Kent, the initiative is run by Icon Theatre, a company based at The Brook Theatre in Chatham. Theatre31 is not about being based in one place however and is very much about outreach work in various settings. Having already engaged over 4,000 people, even during lockdown, this truly is community theatre at its best.