When six local young creatives (Alex, Arthur, Harry, Matthew, Alexa and Evie) joined TBTL's Easter Young Creatives Project earlier this month, they were asked "where in Cumbria has brought you joy over the past 12 months?"

“It didn’t have to be literal’ said director Lexie Ward, ‘though we have many stunning locations to pick from, it could be more abstract - perhaps they found solace in games, or music. Whatever it was, it was the places they found that put them in good spirits - in 'fine fettle' as it were.”

Their special places have been all over the county. From quiet places unknown to the crowds, to some of Lake Districts most popular lakes and fell tops. They brought the memories of these places to TBTL's Easter Young Creatives Project and, through a series of online workshops, have developed ‘Found Fettle’ which they will share online in a premiere on Fri 30 April 2021.

The group from all over Cumbria have been working together over a pretty intensive week earlier this month. They have been writing, rehearsing, performing and recording with some very talented professionals; Dermot Daly, an actor and writer with experience working in radio, television, film and theatre, a director and producer of plays, films, music videos and a filmmaker; Annie May Fletcher, sound designer and composer; Eleanor Hibbert, illustrator, animator, digital theatre designer, and Cumbrian director, Lexie Ward who has worked with TBTL Youth Theatre groups for a number of years.

One of the few benefits of lockdown has meant creative teams located across the length and breadth of the country have been able to share their expertise with the group from the comfort of their homes via Zoom resulting in a fantastic and unique experience for the young people to draw from.

The resulting piece is an illustrated audio play. It’s written and performed by the company, and the group’s illustrator has turned their photographs into beautiful bespoke illustrations of their Cumbrian locations serving as a backdrop. The piece is a true reflection of their feelings and the skills they have learnt from the creative team. They have chosen their special places, written their monologues and set their scenes, performing in their own and others’ work. Collectively they have ‘found fettle’.

You are invited to view the piece on Fri 30 April at 7pm by booking your free ticket in advance before 6pm on the day. Viewers can alternatively watch on demand after the premiere until 31 May.  Click here for more info.