IPSWICH'S New Wolsey Theatre's youth theatre groups are to present a double bill at New Wolsey Studio, it has been announced. The Senior Youth Theatre presents 70% Myself, a piece of devised physical theatre directed by Gecko's Helen Baggett and the Young Company presents David Greig's Yellowmoon, directed by New Wolsey associate director Robert Salmon.

IPSWICH'S New Wolsey Theatre's youth theatre groups are to present a double bill at New Wolsey Studio, it has been announced.

The Senior Youth Theatre presents 70% Myself, a piece of devised physical theatre directed by Gecko's Helen Baggett and the Young Company presents David Greig's Yellowmoon, directed by New Wolsey associate director Robert Salmon.

70% Myself has been devised by members of the Senior Youth Theatre with Helen Baggett, associate director of the Gecko Theatre Company.

Helen said: “The piece explores self-identity through physical theatre, dance and spoken word.

“It's a very participatory process and the members of the group have themselves generated the ideas we explore. The piece we have created together is about young people but based on their personal experiences.”

Yellowmoon is described as a modern Bonnie and Clyde tale that follows the fortunes of two Fife teenagers on the run. The play explores what it means to live in a celebrity-obsessed world and what it is that defines who you are when you're 17 years old. The play has an age recommendation of 13 plus.

Robert said: “This award-winning and controversial play has attracted a lot of attention.

“It tours to schools and youth centres and is regarded as a play for young people. We wanted to examine why this is the case and we wanted to do this with young people. It has been a really interesting experience and we look forward to the audience's response.”

Tickets for the Double Bill of Yellowmoon and 70% Myself are £5 and can be booked by calling the New Wolsey Box Office on 01473 295900. Performances are at New Wolsey Studio at 7.45pm from Thursday 4 to Saturday 6 December.

Are you a regular theatregoer? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk

FROM March 2009 The New Wolsey will have three Youth Theatre options for 7 - 21 year olds:

Junior Youth Theatre

Children aged 7 - 11 in School Years 3/4 and 5/6 meet on Saturday mornings in term time.

Senior Youth Theatre

Young People aged 11 - 16 in School Years 7/8 and 9/10/11 meet on Wednesday evenings in term time.

New Wolsey Young Company

Young Adults aged 16 - 21 meet to develop specific productions and projects, rehearsing on Sundays and in school holidays.

New Wolsey associate director Robert Salmon said: “Our youth theatre groups are designed to support the creative, personal and social development of the participants through a broad range of opportunities to gain new skills.

“It's only £120 a year, or £90 for the second child, and £60 if you are in receipt of means tested benefits. Fees can be paid at the start of the year or at the start of each school term.”

If you are interested in joining one of the groups email creativelearning@wolseytheatre.co.uk