BLAST Youth Theatre Presents Gather and Tell
Our young people have been working incredibly hard this year on their latest production, Gather & Tell, and we are excited to finally share it with audiences on Sunday 5 July at Metal, Chalkwell Hall.
Over the autumn term, the BLAST Youth Theatre groups in Southend and Basildon began devising the show together, exploring folktales, storytelling traditions and their own experiences. From these creative sessions, they developed an original script inspired by stories from around the world and the things that connect us as people.
Since spring, both groups have been busy rehearsing and bringing their ideas to life, creating a magical and immersive performance that weaves together traditional folktales and personal stories. Through storytelling, movement, music and imaginative theatre-making, the young people have created a production that celebrates the power of stories to connect cultures, communities and generations.
During half term, the Southend and Basildon groups came together for the first time to rehearse on site at Metal, Chalkwell Hall. It was an exciting milestone in the project as the young people explored the performance space and began working with some of the show's stunning visual elements.
A particular highlight was meeting their magnificent Ukrainian dragon puppet for the first time. Designed and created by theatre designer Jay Durkin, the dragon has quickly become a favourite part of the production. The cast have also been experimenting with shadow puppetry, masks and immersive storytelling techniques to create a theatrical experience full of wonder and imagination.
✨ Gather and Tell ✨
Come and join us on an interactive journey through stories from across the globe. Through the art of storytelling we share tales, traditions and imagination, discovering how stories can connect us all.
Gather and Tell celebrates the universal power of stories to connect cultures and communities. In a warm and playful atmosphere, it reminds us that although our tales travel from many different lands, the themes of courage, kindness, curiosity and wonder belong to everyone.
Perfect for families, this lively show transforms traditional storytelling into a shared adventure where every voice helps keep the stories alive.
Performance Information
Date: Sunday 5 July
Running Time: 55 minutes (no interval)
Show Times:
✨ 1:00pm
✨ 2:30pm
✨ 4:00pm
Please note that due to the venue capacity and immersive nature of the performance, ticket numbers are limited for each showing. We recommend booking in advance to avoid disappointment.
Audience members are asked to arrive before the start time. While we will do our best to accommodate late arrivals, entry cannot be guaranteed once the performance has begun.
We can't wait to welcome you and share the stories our young people have created. Book your tickets now and join us on this magical journey of imagination, culture and connection.
