Eco-conscious performers shine at HAC drama showcase

North Ayrshire Youth Work returned to the Harbour Arts Centre for a week-long drama workshop and finale performance.

This year, the North Ayrshire Drama for Wellbeing sessions were attended by 38 young performers aged between 6 to 15 years old.

Themed around the current climate emergency the five-day summer drama programme - with a wellbeing and resilience focus - has been a tremendous success, culminating in a memorable theatre performance, enjoyed by all!

There wasn't a dry eye in the room as the young performers educated and inspired the audience to take the urgent environmental actions needed now to build a better, greener and more optimistic future for humans and nature alike.

At the action-packed drama workshops supported by our sessional youth workers and Youth Work Modern Apprentices, everyone had the unique opportunity to learn alongside our dedicated mental health and wellbeing youth worker Vicki and talented drama professional Greg, to discover their own talents and bravery.

Proud parents and carers alongside Members of Scottish Youth Parliament, Young People's Champion Councillor Chloe Robertson, Provost Anthea Dickson and the Council Leader were all in attendance.

The audience were wowed by the thought-provoking performance that focused on key environmental themes of deforestation, plastic pollution, the marine crisis and the concerns of the children and young people themselves who provided everyday solutions as to how we can take responsibility and work together now to tackle climate change for future generations...

Following a series of workshops throughout the week with a mental health and wellbeing focus, the hard work of the children and young people was celebrated on Friday 15 August with a show-stopping on-stage performance to the Provost, special guests and family members.

Some of the young performers have already been used to the stage, starring in amateur drama and local dance school productions, however, for others this was their first time in the spotlight.

Youth Worker Vicki Andrew led the workshops throughout the week supported by drama facilitators working in the industry. She said: “I am incredibly proud of our talented performers.

“The free workshops were fully booked up within one hour of the sign-up going live. We were really amazed how well-received the uptake was. It’s been great to welcome performers who were with us last summer too, they’ve grown so much!

“In our performance, we wanted to convey the power of confidence and resilience while demonstrating how drama can help build a positive mindset through expression, self-esteem and encouraging self-belief.

“The transferable skills gained through this drama experience means that our young people can carry this with them through life supporting communication, teamwork and leadership, listening and responding, creativity, critical thinking and problem solving alongside time management and research.

“The theme of this year’s show was about climate change and the urgent actions we need to take now to look after the environment and build a kinder and brighter future for young people and nature alike.”

Young People’s Champion, Councillor Chloe Robertson who opened the showcase said: “It was a scorcher of a week during Drama for Wellbeing, but the children and young people aged as young as five and up to 13 years old, remained committed and energised. What a fantastic team effort to them all!

“Well done to the colleagues across North Ayrshire Youth Work who have been back on the road again this summer to support our communities over summer break.

“The youth work delivered – as part of the council’s Community Learning and Development service – demonstrates how the council is dedicated to providing safe and supportive environments for children and young people to thrive, be themselves, have their say on what matters to them, and most importantly have fun across various local venues.”

Member of Scottish Youth Parliament for Cunninghame North, Emma Henderson, added: “The theme of climate change was really moving and the adults and young people in the audience - myself included - have definitely taken away our own learnings as each of the performances explored important topics such as fly-tipping, deforestation, the marine crisis and how we must work together now to reduce our carbon footprint. Everyone should be super proud of themselves, they did amazing.”

Participants also designed sea-life creatures for this year’s Youth Work Marymass Festival float and marched in the parade, rounding their time with Drama for Wellbeing off in style!

Stay tuned for more news updates North Ayrshire Youth Work on Facebook.

Published: 04 September 2025