Travelling Light youth theatre began in a temporary building on the site of City Academy Bristol, then called St George's School. Two decades later, more than 1,000 local children and teenagers have enjoyed weekly sessions, making friends, growing in confidence and for some - like former regular Travis Alabanza - going on to make waves in the industry.
Travis, a non-binary performer, writer and theatre maker is the youth theatre's most famous alum and was a regular between 2008-2012, when they were aged 13-17. Travis, who grew up in Hillfields, Fishponds, is currently promoting a bestselling book, and said the youth theatre was the only local activity their family could afford when they were growing up.
Now based in Barton Hill, the group's ethos is the same now as it was back in the Portakabin days - everyone is welcome and it's all about taking part. In a drive for inclusivity, no experience or audition is necessary to join, and groups are open to everyone who wants a safe space to express themselves each week.
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For former member Travis, whose debut show Burgerz won the Edinburgh Fringe Total Theatre award in 2019, the youth theatre gave them their first opportunity to create their own work. Travis said: "When Burgerz came out, people said 'congrats on your first show' and I'd always say nope, when I was 17 there was a show with Travelling Light.
"Along with my friend Ruby, who is now working as a theatre director, we got to write, direct and cast our own show - and it launched at The Fire Station then Tobacco Factory theatres. I remember it vividly because it felt like a huge deal to be able to put on our own work.”
A decade later, Travis still has many memories of their time at Travelling Light and says that a trip to perform in London stands out: "I hadn't really gone to London before, and I think my eyes started growing. At the time, I was going to school on the outskirts of Bristol, where I often stood out.
"Travelling Light helped me realise that isn't always going to be the case. I hadn't ever really been around artistic people, or creativity in that way, and it helped me realise that it was allowed and that there were different people in the world.
"I am so grateful for my time at Travelling Light, and it was literally the only place we could afford for extracurricular activities. It's so important for our city to have accessible arts spaces for young people, and I'm grateful to Travelling Light for creating them."
Bradley Greening was a member of the youth theatre for eight years from 2005-2013, until he turned 16 and left school. He then returned to the theatre as a volunteer and assistant with the youth theatre groups. Bradley said: "It was a space where I could feel truly comfortable in being myself and felt more able to put myself out there with ideas or making friends.
"I went on to study theatre at university, primarily because of my experience at Travelling Light. Volunteering with Travelling Light youth theatre was often the highlight of my week and it felt incredibly special working with the young people."
Current regular Ada, aged 16, has been attending Travelling Light youth theatre since she was six. Ada said: "I really love the people you meet there.
"Also being able to have your own freedom to devise and create theatre. You don’t really get that kind of freedom in school or anywhere else so it’s really nice to be able to come somewhere where you get to do that every week.
"I think it’s definitely helped me with growing in confidence and especially public speaking because I used to be quite shy but now I can do assemblies and showcases. Even though it’s youth theatre, it’s not just about creating theatre.
"It’s about making friends, growing as a person with your confidence and having fun and learning new skills. I would definitely say go for it and you won’t regret it."
Based at the Wellspring Settlement community centre since 2009, Travelling Light youth theatre has expanded its reach over the years, offering a dedicated group for young disabled people. Members have staged performances at venues all over Bristol including Tobacco Factory Theatres, Wardrobe Theatre and Arnolfini.
More unusual performance spaces brought alive by the young performers are The SS Great Britain, Blaise Castle, Wapping Wharf and the tunnels under Bristol Temple Meads train station. Travelling Light, the professional touring company behind the youth theatre, believes that creative young people have produced over 100 original pieces of work over the last 20 years.
Louise Betts, Travelling Light’s youth and community officer, said: "Professional theatre company Travelling Light was able to launch a youth theatre in the early 2000s as a result of government funding for Barton Hill, one of Bristol's most deprived wards. Acclaimed south west storyteller Martin Maudsley ran our very first session and it was such a success, we quickly added a second group.
"In 2022, we are now operating four separate sessions each week. These groups are often over-subscribed, but this term some places have come available for new members to join.”
Dienka Hines, executive director, Travelling Light, said: “Offering regular youth theatre groups is an important part of Travelling Light’s work as a company that aims to put children and young people at the heart of what we do.
“We love offering a weekly space for young people’s creativity, fun, joy and self-expression and I always look forward to seeing the ideas that young people share from their brilliant imaginations. We ‘re delighted that the youth theatre has spaces available for more young people to join in this term.”
In addition to running youth theatre sessions, Travelling Light has produced and nationally toured theatre productions for young people since 1984 and also works in schools. A Travelling Light and Bristol Old Vic co-production, called Belle & Sebastian, will be at Bristol Old Vic from December 2 until January 8.
Travelling Light currently runs weekly sessions at the Wellspring Settlement for 7-10s, 11-13s and 14-19s. The company also operates a group for young disabled people aged 7-15, called Louder Than Words.
For more details or to sign up, email Louise Betts at louise@travellinglighttheatre.org.uk or call or text 07305008789
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