For the first time since the pandemic, Zest is making a brand-new production!!! Throughout January and February 2023, Zest travelled the country to Research and Develop (R&D) the yet-to-be-titled new show. Across the process, we met over 650 children and young people from Lincoln, Stockton-on-Tees, Canterbury, Barnsley, and Lewisham.

We spent 3 days researching the show in each location. First, we made space through workshops for Key Stage 2 pupils to share their thoughts, questions, and concerns about growing up and their transition to Secondary School. Then, Post 16 performing arts students responded with the advice they wish they’d received before they started Secondary School, spending a full day with our team to develop creative content that will become the crux of the new show.

Written by Katie Greenall, with songs by Koko Brown, the production will open at ARC in Stockton on 1st February 2024 - 4 years to the day that our last production, Youthquake, completed its national tour. The new show will then tour to The Albany in Depford, Gulbenkian Arts Centre in Canterbury, The Civic in Barnsley, and Lincoln Performing Arts Centre.

Featuring a mix of professional actors and our local Post 16 performers, this new production will joyfully share the wisdom and lived experiences of those aged 16 to 18, to support and inspire audiences of 10 to 12-year-olds when they need it the most.

Research and Development

WRITER
Katie Greenall

SONG WRITER
Koko Brown

LEAD FACILITATOR / DIRECTOR
Toby Ealden

SUPPORTING FACILITATOR / ARCHIVIST
Wambui Hardcastle

R&D PRODUCER
Laura Killeen

ACCESS CONSULTANTS
Quiplash

WITH THANKS TO
Aman Basha
Kez Harris
Robert Hart
Katie Grant
Future Proof

Commissioned by The Civic Barnsley and ARC.

Research and Development supported through public money from the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

Developed with the support of Gulbenkian, Lincoln Performing Arts Centre and The Albany.