Endorsements

"From lending us LX leads an hour before curtain-up to co-producing tours, Theatre Venture's "can do" attitude has been an asset to all of us in East London. We hope to work in partnership for another 25 years."

"Theatre Venture is an accessible and inclusive organisation with a proven commitment to the health and wellbeing of local people in the Newham, the UK's most diverse Borough".

"I have found that the most exciting part of being involved with Theatre Venture is the fact that it embraces its diversity. Staying true to the community it entertains. Community theatre devised and promoted by the best youth spokespersons in the country.

Working with Theatre Venture for the Big Up Your Arts! Festivals gave me an opportunity to rediscover my love of performing, having done nothing for four years. I am now hoping to move to London and promote myself as a professional actor.

Having been given the opportunity to visit Tunisia with Theatre Venture in 2005 for the Mediterranean Youth Theatre Festival, it gave us the opportunity to perform on a global stage. The wealth of diversity we experienced helped us to bring back new ideas to this country and use them in our own productions".

"Theatre Venture has been a strong and inspirational mentor to East End Opera. Their invaluable support during our foundation and continued interest in our development has helped us achieve much success in a relatively short space of time. Thank you!"

"Theatre Venture provides a theatre experience that truly reaches the parts other companies don’t. They have a real commitment to access and participation; giving opportunities for all. Fantastic work- here’s to the next 25 years!"

"Like NewVIc, Theatre Venture has roots which reach deep into the heart of the East London Community. The company continues to make and create work which connects different communities together through the art of theatre. We are delighted to be working hand in hand with Theatre Venture - our partnership is an important part of what makes Stratford Circus an exciting and vibrant place."

"Theatre Venture is one of the most refreshing organisations in London today. Not afraid to take risks, not in for a quick fix, able to think outside the box, patient, supportive but with high expectations. That kind of organisation is not easy to roll out. Theatre Venture is a much needed inspiration to individuals and organisations developing arts work in London today."

"Theatre Venture creates wonderfully innovative drama with our Youth Theatres."

"Theatre Venture continues to attempt to push performance boundaries whilst staying true to their vital community roots. A company to be applauded and celebrated. Working with theatre venture was one of the most collaborative experiences I have had in my career".

"I first started working with Theatre Venture in 2002 as an ensemble member of the East London Performance Ensemble. I continued to work with them until last year.

This group was facilitated by Ray Downing and we were initially working towards a bizarre half-hour show called the Jabberwocky.

I began working with Ray straight after finishing training in acting at the City Lit. The experience was absolutely brilliant. Ensemble work is great for learning to trust your fellow performers, and in letting go of your personal ego to focus on the group's vision. It was an experimental space in which I could try out acting, singing, physical theatre and even my first stab at writing. It was also the best exercise I got all week!

It's a very good training to work in community theatre, with people from all walks of life who are challenging and surprising you all the time. I have gone on the work professionally in the industry since, most recently in Radio, and have Theatre Venture to thank for a lot of the confidence I carry with me".