BLAST Youth Theatre Wraps Up 2024/25 with Found
This summer, BLAST Youth Theatre brought the Elevator Arts year 2024/25 to a magical close with their original production, Found. Written by Essex-based playwright Kate Austen and performed by children aged 8–12, the play told the story of Archibald — a lost magician’s puppet who goes on a journey of discovery, exploring our diverse culture and community to find out where he truly belongs.
With puppetry, storytelling, and plenty of imagination, the show explored powerful themes of belonging, identity, and friendship. Supported by Director Michelle Barrington, puppetry director Hannah Brailsford, and designer Kayla Teodoro — who created Archibald himself as well as the set and costumes — the young performers enchanted audiences at both the Towngate Theatre in Basildon and the Palace Theatre in Southend this July.
“It helped me to be more sociable, happy, less stressed. ”
We couldn’t be prouder of the young people involved. They worked so hard throughout the year to build their confidence, develop their performance skills, and bring their own voices into the production. Their commitment shone through in every rehearsal and every performance, creating a show that was both heartfelt and inspiring for audiences of families, friends, and community members.
“I enjoyed performing on stage because it was my first time and it was exciting”
A huge thank you goes to our partners — Welcome to the UK, Signpost (Basildon), and Towngate Theatre — and to our magnificent creative team. This project was also part of Ripple Effect, Elevator Arts’ programme funded by Arts Council England to support children and young people from diverse and underserved communities.
“It made me feel more confident in speaking in public. I have learnt how to move a puppet.”
To celebrate the journey, we’ve created a special behind-the-scenes film with rehearsal footage and interviews with cast members and the creative team. It’s a chance to hear directly from the young people about what Found meant to them, and to see the teamwork, energy, and creativity that brought Archibald’s story to life.
As the curtain closes on this year, we’re already looking forward to what BLAST Youth Theatre will create next. Well done to all the young people involved — you should be so proud of what you’ve achieved.
Photo credit: Film Free Photography Video credit: Blatella Fims
