BUDDING actors and stage performers in Wellington have received great opportunities to enhance their skills – thanks to the local branch of the Somerset Youth Theatre.

The youth group meets every Saturday at Wellington Arts Centre in Eight Acre Lane and supports 14 young people to create, explore and find their voice through theatre and the arts – thanks to trained artists and educators.

The group received a £1,000 grant from Wellington Town Council and Nancy Powell-Brace, of Somerset Youth Theatre, said it was a vital piece of funding. “Without the council grant we wouldn’t be able to do what we do,” she said.

Membership has doubled within the space of a few months and the theatre group looks to provide fun for young people and allow them to perform to the wider Wellington community.

Members took part in last year’s Wellington Carnival which Nancy said they “loved every minute” while they also performed a shadow puppet show at the Wellesley Cinema entitled The Fourth Wise Man over the winter.

“They are a dedicated group of young people,” said Nancy.

The group has teamed-up with Wellington Library and the young people are working on a production entitled I Believe In Unicorns – based on a book by award-winning novelist Michael Morpurgo – at Wellington Library on July 5 at 11am and then again at noon.

They will also be holding a workshop at the library on July 7 at 10.30am.

Councillors were told that the group was hoping to secure National Lottery funding in the future and focussing on cultural heritage.

Dave Duthie, also of Somerset Youth Theatre, said: “We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone at Wellington Town Council for their support.”

The SYT Wellington started in October 2024 and has explored a range of theatre and arts techniques to develop social, emotional and cultural skills.