Lewisham Youth Theatre’s project “Catford Tales” will be performed in July 2015. Pic: LYT

A £31,000 lottery grant has been awarded to Lewisham Youth Theatre to support performances inspired by a community history project.

Catford Tales will see local residents coming together to learn about Catford’s history and exchange memories and experiences, which will then be transformed into a theatre production by LYT.

Helen Stanley, the theatre’s artistic director said: “We’re overjoyed that the support from Heritage Lottery Fund will allow us to work with the community to build more positivity towards the local area, and to get people more involved with what’s going on in Catford today.”

LYT’s Senior Youth Theatre will begin exploring local history by speaking to residents this month.

These discoveries, ranging from World War II evacuations to the town’s vibrant nightlife in the 60s, will be transformed into an episodic play by young people and community members to be performed in July 2015.

Other elements of the project, created by community partners, may include an art exhibition and a musical group.

The money from the grant will go towards the young people’s historical research project, the production costs of the performances and the professional theatre artists who run the project.

A digital resource, such as a mobile app of Catford information or a website, will also be developed and made available to the public after the performances.

Since 1989, LYT has provided free drama activities and performance projects for young people aged 8-24 in Lewisham and has given them access to high quality arts provision.

Harriet Mallinson