A new production developed through conversations with students from Lincoln College, Zest Theatre’s Camp Phoenix will feature some of those students when it takes to the stage at Lincoln Arts Centre.
Toby Ealden, director at Zest Theatre, said, “this new production feels like an exciting reset for the company. Camp Phoenix is our first national theatre tour since the pandemic and our first as an Arts Council national portfolio organisation.
“At a time when young people continue to face a mental health crisis and remain unheard in broader society, productions like Camp Phoenix are vital: a moment to make space for one another, share their wisdom and have fun through creativity at venues right in the heart of the places they call home.
“We’re excited to give writer Katie Greenall and songwriter Koko Brown their first professional commissions. Working with young people across the country, they’ve crafted an energetic script and a set of new songs that beautifully capture the hopes and fears of the young people we met in communities across the country.”
The cast includes David Carpenter as 17-year-old Zia. Duane Gooden will take the role of caretaker Les and Gillian Lees will be the Voice of the Tannoy.
The University of Lincoln is one of 12 universities to be included in Arts Council England’s national portfolio. It means it can house associate artistic companies including Zest Theatre, granting the company support to create new work.
Camp Phoenix will run at Lincoln Arts Centre on Thursday 8 and Friday 9 February.