ABOUT THEATRE ROYAL’S RISING STARS YOUTH THEATRE
Theatre Royal’s Rising Stars Youth Theatre is a dynamic and inclusive programme dedicated to developing the next generation of performers in Workington. Established in February 2024, it proudly continues the legacy of Theatre Royal Youth (2018–2022) and Second Star Youth Theatre (2014–2018), building on over a decade of commitment to youth performance and creativity.
Open to young people aged 8–18, Rising Stars provides a welcoming and supportive environment where every individual is valued. The group actively promotes diversity, acceptance, and inclusion, with a strong commitment to supporting neurodiverse and LGBTQIA+ youths, ensuring all members feel safe, respected, and celebrated for who they are.
Led by Millie, who has a strong background in youth work, Rising Stars is more than just a drama group—it is a drama club run with the ethos of a youth club. This approach places equal importance on personal development, wellbeing, and social connection, alongside performance and theatrical skills.
Participants take part in a varied programme of full-scale productions, rehearsed readings, and fast-paced “Play in a Day” workshops. Each year, the group produces two major full-scale productions, performed in June and November, giving members the opportunity to experience the excitement and discipline of performing in a professional theatre setting.
At its core, Rising Stars is guided by strong values of respect, teamwork, and encouragement. Members support one another both on and off the stage, building confidence, creativity, and resilience. Above all, Rising Stars celebrates the joy of theatre—encouraging every member to shine, give their best, and have fun—while proudly shaping the future of Theatre Royal Workington.
We are very excited to see what the future holds.
We are always looking for new members to join in our fantastic youth theatre!
If you know anyone aged 9-18 who would like to join us please get in touch!
Email: theatreroyal.risingstars@nulloutlook.com
WhatsApp: 07826 519 000
RISING STARS PRODUCTIONS TO DATE
ROBIN HOOD AND THE SILVER ARROW – June 2024
RUMPLE AND PUNZIE – November 2024
HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL – July 2025
THE STRANGE CASE OF DR JEKYLL AND MR HYDE – November 2025
AS SECOND STAR YOUTH THEATRE
2014
The Lost Boy
By Millie Hardy Sims
In collaboration with Happy Thoughts Drama Company
2015
Sleeping Beauty
By Millie Hardy Sims
Hansel and Gretel
By Brothers Grimm
Adapted by Millie Hardy Sims
2016
Pinocchio
Adapted for the stage by Millie Hardy Sims
Unhappily Ever After
by Millie Hardy Sims
It’s a Wonderful Life
Adapted by Tony Palermo
2017
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
By Millie Hardy Sims
The Wind in the Willows
Adapted by Kenneth Grahame
AS THEATRE ROYAL YOUTH
2018
Alice in Wonderland
Written by Lewis Carroll
Adapted for the Stage by Brainerd Duffield
Spring Showcase
Directed by Sophie Mackenzie
Oliver Twist
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Paul Adams
A Christmas Carol
Written by Charles Dickens
Adapted for the stage by Guy Williams
2019
Girls Like That
Written by Evan Placey
The Railway Children
Written by E. Nesbit
Adapted by Dave Simpson
Swallows and Amazons
Written by A. Ransome
Adapted by Helen Edmundson
2020
Tuesday
By Alison Carr
In collaboration with National Theatre’s Connections Project.
2021
Crusaders
by Frances Poet
In collaboration with National Theatre’s Connections Project.
2022
Hunt
by Fionnuala Kennedy
In collaboration with National Theatre’s Connections Project.
How to Spot An Alien
by Georgia Christou
AS RISING STARS YOUTH THEATRE
2024
Robin Hood and the Silver Arrow
by Millie Hardy-Sims, based on the legend
Rumple and Punzie
by Millie Hardy-Sims, based on the fairytales ‘Rapunzel’ and ‘Rumplestiltskin’
2025
High School Musical
with permission by Musical International
The Strange Case of Jekyll and Hyde
by Millie Hardy-Sims, based on the novel by Robert Louis Stevenson
2026
Around the World in 80 Days
by Millie Hardy-Sims, based on the novel by Jules Verne