Big Deal performers

Gang crime and youth ­violence are serious ­issues that often leave people expecting many gang-related crimes to be linked to the younger generation.

However, a group of teenagers from Barking and ­Dagenham aim to highlight and combat some of these ideas through entertaining and informing audiences at Barking Broadway Theatre this month.

Studio 3 Arts’ Big Deal youth project will tell a story through drama, music and dance on October 28 and ­October 29 in an original self-funded performance that explores the modern-day ­issues that youths growing up in the UK often face.

Reinforcing

The I’m Not Slippin’, I’m Just Livin’ production aims to inspire those that see it, by reinforcing the ideas of positivity, aspiration and youth ambition. Group member Andre Francis, 18, says: “This year’s show is a show like no other. There has been inspiration throughout the ­company beyond belief and it’s been incredibly aspirational.”

The performers hopes to attract large audiences from Waltham Forest, Redbridge and Havering too, the London Boroughs that the company mainly reaches out to.

Liza Vallance, artistic director , says: “I’m very grateful to The Broadway Theatre for their support – without them we really couldn’t have made it happen. I really hope that we get to show our work to packed audiences.”

The showcase will also include performances from Sky One’s Got To Dance and BBC3’s Move it Like Michael Jackson finalists Unity Dance Group, as well as singer James Anderson from ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent.

Tickets are £5 and £3. Call 020 8507 5607 or go to www.thebroadwaybarking.com

This article features as part of the Post campaign Choose Your Future.