Sam Peeps

“SAM PEEPS”: NORTH - EAST LONDON YOUTH COLLABORATE WITH LIBBY LIBURD & PETER DARNEY ON ‘STRATFORD CIRCUS THEATRE PRODUCTION’

• Young people from the North and East London to compose, perform and market a Theatre performance about famous writer Samuel Pepys – with a modern day twist

Focus For Life encourage young people to find and celebrate the positive memories in their everyday lives to enable them to replicate them in the future; and to confront their negative memories so they can avoid the same pitfalls. Working alongside like-minded organisations and Government recognised bodies, FFL con-ceive and deliver projects that challenge young people to explore, identify and focus on the issues that will enhance their future opportunities and prospects. www.focusforlifeuk.org
• Project led by the acclaimed actors Libby Liburd and Peter Darney

• Special Sam Peeps performance to take place at the Stratford Circus on October 22nd 2017

Led by the acclaimed actors Libby Liburd and Peter Darney, young people from a variety of boroughs in North and East London are to compose and perform a theatre show about 17th century writer and member of parliment Samuel Pepys diaries the as part of a unique Arts Council England-funded project.

Titled ‘Sam Peeps, the initiative has been managed by Hackney-based youth organisation Focus For Life, and follows a series of creative workshops held at Hackney Empire, Dalston Library and Rich Mix.

Curated by the team, these have used a range of literary resources to explore themes of The Great Fire, The Plague and Infidelity - encouraging the young participants to find rele-vance within these themes in the modern day. The result is a play about the modern day plague taking over the planet – Social Media, and how it can build a person up and destroy them in a blink of an eye.

With Peter Darney providing his expertise on performance and presentation, the project aims to enhance the confidence and communication skills of all those taking part.

After weeks of writing and rehearsals, all participants will perform before invited locals, lo-cal officials, family, friends and theatre goers at a special event to take place at the Strat-ford Circus on Sunday 22nd October 2017. They will also gain a Bronze Arts Award - a qualification widely recognised by both creative businesses and colleges of further educa-tion.

Peter Darney wrote and directed the award winning 5 Guys Chillin' Which will play this year's Edinburgh Festival 2nd-27th August at Assembly Roxy. 5 Guys Chillin' was winner of the Brighton Fringe LGBTQ Award, and double award winner at last years Dublin international Gay Theatre Festival. It had a sell-out run at last years Edinburgh Fringe Festival, from whence it transferred to SoHo Playhouse Off Broadway. It is also set to be produced by The New Theatre in Sydney in September 2017. 5 Guys Chillin' is currently in development as a major motion picture.

He has recently adapted Helen Cresswell's Iconic Childrens classic Moondial for stage, which will be transferring to a London Theatre this Christmas. His production of "Signal Failure", recently played So-ho Playhouse, New York for a 6 week off-Broadway run. Other recent highlights include a new afternoon drama for BBC Radio 4 "Kindness", which was pick of the week in the Telegraph, Radio Times and The Stage. "Upsetting an excellent psychological drama" Daily Mail

Small Green Shoots is a unique creative consultancy with a mission to change the lives of 16-24 year-olds who are not in formal training or education. We let young people grow: placing them centre stage in the arts-based projects and events we develop - enabling them to gain valuable skills and recognised qualifications. www.smallgreenshoots.co.uk

Arts Council England champions, develops and invests in artistic and cultural experiences that enrich peo-ple’s lives. We support a range of activities across the arts, museums and libraries – from theatre to digital art, reading to dance, music to literature, and crafts to collections. Great art and culture inspires us, brings us together and teaches us about ourselves and the world around us. In short, it makes life better. Between 2011 and 2015, we will invest £1.4 billion of public money from government and an estimated £1 billion from the National Lottery to help create these experiences for as many people as possible across the country. www.artscouncil.org.uk