Birmingham Youth Visited by Birmingham Playwright!

Local Theatre Group Stage2 are going a bit Brum-centric at the moment – and as the weeks go on and the deadline gets closer it's only getting stronger! Recently, Stage2 members have been working hard trying to answer a question asked by none other than Birmingham born Playwright Claire Dowie (and the title of their next production...);

 'Why is John Lennon Wearing a Skirt?'

Well, it just so happens that the playwright and her Director (Colin Watkeys) are Patrons of Stage2 and recently visited the group for workshops that challenged, supported and helped the young people to make their own conclusions of this challenging question. Leaving everyone feeling proud – not only to belong to such a passionate youth theatre – but also to live in a city that is such a fantastic place for young, talented minds to challenge and be challenged in an exploratory, creative way and finally to have the opportunity to work with an internationally recognised Playwright!

“It was a special experience to meet the author of my very first production. Thank you for this chance” – Ellie Waide age 9 (Playing a lead role)

The deadline for the answer is rapidly approaching and as these young members work hard towards it, they're in their turn asking for you to come along, watch and form your own opinions during the Easter Holidays!

The play is a powerful exploration of stereotyping and pressures to conform  - a journey through a girl’s life that includes frustrated encounters with skirts, incredulous encounters with tights and disastrous encounters with boys. Through the 60s to the early 70s she gets through school by pretending to be in the Beatles and her first office job by pretending to be in the Army. With the exciting addition of a live band on stage, a huge cast of Birmingham’s best bring the perils of being a teenager hilariously and sometimes horrifically to life!

“It is fantastic that Stage2 gets real (and famous!) practitioners in to work with us, you learn so much while thoroughly enjoying it” – Andrew Brown age 18 (Production Assistant)

Stage2 opens its doors at the Crescent Theatre from Thur 17^th – Sat 19^th April 2014 (Performances at 7.30pm + Sat Matinee 2pm).

So spend an evening supporting your local theatres and the young people that work in them. With the action spilling off the stage and taking place all around the auditorium, our young members bring this cavalcade of comedy (blended with current issues) to life – and if you find yourself fighting for the answer to the question above, we've already got some for you – the main one being WHY NOT?

 This play is an experience not to be missed!

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For further information, additional photos, interviews etc please contact

Stage2 on 07961 018 841 or Alex Butler directly on 07790 464 288.

For general information on Stage2 please check out the website on www.stage2.org