The Cornley Youth Theatre is an organisation that takes talented, enthusiastic and/or available youths and gives them an opportunity to experience working with real near-professional actors and directors. My niece Lucy Grove a Reen CYT member is appearing in tonight's production of Peter Pan.

I am delighted to report it has been another hugely positive year for the Comley Youth Theatre. A highlight of the year was our field trip to the New Forest, in preparation for our performance of Lord of the Flies. I equipped the children with knives and a limited food supply, then left them to fend for themselves for six days while I stayed at a local Holiday Inn. Although I had intended for them to stay for three weeks, the trip had to be cut short due to the unfortunate interference of the police, however the children still found it to be a fascinating experience, which resulted in a breathtaking production upon our return to Cornley. Unfortunately, this theatrical triumph was somewhat marred by the fact I had neglected to do a head count on the outbound journey and two members of the youth theatre Ben McIntyre and Sarah Cordell were left behind in the forest and have never been found. If either the McIntyre or Cordell family should read this, I again offer my deepest sympathies, and remind you once more that the annual membership fee is non-refundable.

I send my warmest wishes to Lucy for her debut tonight, and hope that in the true spirit of Peter Pan she will remind us of how magical the world is before we grow up.

If anyone would like to sign their children up to the Cornley Youth Theatre, please contact me via email [email protected]. Membership fees are non-refundable.

ROBERT GROVE
Head of Comley Youth Theatre