By then, the young participants who had looked unsure of themselves in the morning (even resisting joining in at first), were on stage, performing. In the day’s workshops and rehearsals, every decision had been their own: words, music, dance moves, even what to wear. During the evening slam they received affirmation from their peers and from the more experienced performers who mixed with them on stage. The effect on their confidence and self esteem was tangible. One of the comments on the evaluation forms said it all: ‘this is the best thing that’s happened. Please come back’.

Thanks to the foresight and imagination of Terry Hammond and his team at Thurrock Borough Council It’s Our Theatre will be working with the young people of the Thames Gateway from September onwards. As just one part of our programme it exemplifies the THEATRE IS... approach: putting young people at the heart of what we do creatively and practically. The result can be a great arts experience, but the THEATRE IS...vision goes deeper than that; igniting young people’s ambition and helping them acquire skills for work and life. I wonder what else the case studies will show us as we roll it out around the region...

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