A YOUTH theatre group has been given a ringing endorsement by a past pupil recently back from performing at the Edinburgh Fringe.

Brought up in Richmond, Cordelia Stevenson attended Richmond School and Sixth Form until moving to London to study drama and theatre arts at Goldsmiths University.

While there she helped set up the theatre company Silent Faces and has been performing in its show, Follow Suit, at festivals and theatres nationwide.

Last month the group completed a full run of 23 performances at Edinburgh Festival Fringe, gaining four-star ratings from several major reviewers including The Stage and The Scotsman.

Now 24, for many years Ms Stevenson was tutored by Sue Hedges and Tracey Lacey when at the Georgian Theatre Royal Youth Theatre. She continues to support the pair, who run Richmondshire Youth Theatre, as a volunteer tutor.

Last December she co-wrote its touring production We are Such Stuff as Memories are Made On with Christopher Smallman, another past pupil. The production raised awareness of the Friends of Garget Walker House, a local charity supporting those affected by dementia.

“Youth theatre does not preach, teach or lecture, but nurtures," she said. "It is not a theatre school, but far more important and necessary than that, using theatre as a starting point to really reach and connect with youngsters, nurturing their talent and nurturing them as young people."

Richmond sessions are held on Mondays, from 6-8pm, and Saturdays at 9.30am, 11.30am and 1.30pm; also at Leyburn Methodist Hall on Wednesdays, 4-5.30pm.

For information call Ms Hedges on 07709 870861, email richmondshireyouththeatre@gmail.com or visit https://protect-eu.mimecast.com/s/aYwwBFKazeAuL.