THE OLD STOKE REP
The Young Rep
The Young Rep theatre company was first formed in the mid 1980s by Jackie Clarke. John Collier took over the running of the youth group in 1990, directing productions between 1991 and 1997. The Young Rep hold the honour of being the last members to tread the boards in the final show staged at Beresford Street, "The Italian Straw Hat" by Eugene Labiche.
Photo copyright Edward Iwanczuk
Zigger Zagger 1991
The Young Rep (1990 - 1997)
1990
After graduating with a drama degree, John Collier is given permission by the Rep Players Executive to revive The Young Rep. Information is sent out to local primary and secondary schools and the first meeting is held in the theatre bar on Wednesday 19th September 1990.
1991
The Young Rep perform an abridged version of Peter Terson's 'Zigger Zagger' as part of the 47th Youth and Adult Drama Festival at the Mitchell Memorial Theatre in Hanley. The play is chosen because of its local theme (Stoke City FC) and its large cast of characters.
1992
The Young Rep perform on the Beresford Street stage for the first time. For the next five years they are given their own annual slot in the Rep calendar. 'No Strings Attached' by Chris Smith tells the story of .Profits from the production raise money for the children's charity Barnado's.
1993
To reflect the nature of the adult company The Young Rep focused on dramatic productions rather than musicals. The group was an alternative choice for youngsters who did not wish to join the many local musical societies. With this in mind, their production of Willy Russell's 'Blood Brothers' was the non-musical version which provided the group with the opportunity to present the story without the songs. Incidental music by The Beatles was used instead to link the scenes and create a Liverpudlian atmosphere.
1994
In a contrast to previous productions, the Young Rep present a comedy for their annual offering. The poster and programme for Harold Brighouse's 'Hobson's Choice' features an image by acclaimed Potteries artist Arthur Berry who gives his permission to use his artwork to publicise the production. A late minute cast change sees director John Collier step in to play the part of William Mossop. He replaces Young Rep member Steven McGovern who has successfully gained a place in the National Youth Theatre.
1995
John Collier is approached by the City Museum and Art Gallery to write an original play based on the recollections of local people. 'Family Values' uses personal memories to tell a multi-generational story of life in the Potteries. The Young Rep perform the play at the Forum Theatre in Hanley as part of a wider exhibition celebrating Stoke's history.
1995 (continued)
This was a particularly busy year for The Young Rep as members of the company were asked by Eric Ball and Jackie Clarke to be involved in their production 'Tomorrow Is A Lovely Day' - a show to celebrate the 50th anniversary of V.E. Day.
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The annual production in 1995 was also war related as The Young Rep performed "Killed
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1996
This year saw another collaboration with the City Museum and Art Gallery as The Young Rep were asked to stage a revival of the Victoria Theatre's 'The Knotty'. Originally devised in 1978 the play tells the story of the North Staffordshire Railway in a documentary style. The youngsters performed the production at both the Rep and Forum Theatre in Hanley.
1997
The final Young Rep production staged at Beresford Street also had the honour of being the last ever show to be performed at the venue before the Players moved to their brand new building on Leek Road. Eugene Labiche's classic French farce 'The Italian Straw Hat' was a suitably joyous show to mark the end of a remarkable chapter in local theatre.
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This page is dedicated to the memory of John Heath