Social media and mental health are some of issues that youngsters have been highlighting in a drama project at the Stables Theatre.

About 30 young people took part in the Stables 1066 Youth Theatre Summer Workshop Project called Hollow which showcased at the theatre in The Bourne on Friday.

The annual project, which involves workshops, physical theatre and storytelling was led by husband and wife team Niall Whitehead and Barbara Ward, both Stables members.

Barbara, a former professional actor and director, said that Hollow dealt with some of the difficulties that teenagers face.

She added:  “We looked at issues such as social media, mental health and did a lot of physical theatre work. We worked for one week and then showcased the performance”

Barbara said the performance will not necessarily be a whole play, but a way of showing the acting skills of young people. Two of the youngsters are learning the technical side of theatre work and will be providing the lighting and sound for the showcase performance.

Niall, who is head of performing arts at Ark Helenswood Academy in Hastings, met Barbara when they were both at drama school. He has more than 25 years experience as an actor and director.

He has been running the youth project for 13 years, with Barbara joining the project four years ago. Both are volunteers at the Stables and live in Hastings. Theatre work runs in the Ward family, with Barbara’s father, Bill, a long serving Stables stage manager, helping with the workshops.

Stables 1066 Youth Theatre continues to receive support from its Patrons, Mike Punter, Tom Goodman-Hill and Jessica Raine, and performed Hollow to a sold out Stables audience last Friday.

• Words: Lynda Foy  
• Pictures: Peter Mould and Zo Morgan