Empire musical is a team effort

On Friday, actors in We Will Rock You got a sneak peek at the locally designed set for their production, headed by the Empire's Stage Experience project.

As well as featuring three of the city's finest actors, the set for the popular musical was designed by youngsters from Ynot? a programme of art activities aimed at kids in care, those set to leave care and young parents.

The group has been working with Sunderland City Council Arts Development Team and two city artists, Graham Cleland and Tommy Anderson, as part of a 12-week project to craft the backdrop to the musical.

Lead artist Tommy said: "It's been great and getting down here to see the finished product with the cast is brilliant.

"It's been really good to see a lot of them gain confidence from the beginning of the project to where we are now.

"They've been able to take things on and go for it themselves, come up with their own ideas and develop them."

Graham, a graffiti artist, added: "It's been a massive boost to their confidence and gives them a sense that they have done something.

"A lot of the young people have got self-esteem issues and things like this help to address a lot of them and when you look at what they've done it's great."

Marcel James Tiberius Kirk, of Hendon, has also worked on the set.
The 19-year-old said: "It's great to think my stuff is going on show for everyone to see. I've really enjoyed it."

Kevin Bell, of Southwick, is one of five loca l actors who are to take to the stage in Ben Elton's show as part of the summer music school Stage Experience.


The 22-year-old music teacher was one of 150 young people in the North East who have been given the chance to perform or be part of a production team in a professionally-produced musical.

Kevin, who plays Britney Spears in the futuristic musical, said: "As a teacher I'm used to working with kids and this is a great opportunity for kids up to the age of 23 to get involved and see some theatre."

The production gives the youngsters the chance to work alongside a professional director, musical director, choreographer and backstage crew to train in singing, dancing, acting and technical theatre.