A history of the project…

Staff at Newcastle College met with BASE Theatre Company in February 2009 to discuss the possibility of producing an educational theatre production, supported by Aimhigher. The production would be aimed at Year 10 students and centred on progression routes into Further and Higher Education. Following a great deal of planning, BASE recruited students studying at Newcastle College to take part and preparations for the production began. In May 2009, Newcastle College hosted three performances of The Northern Journey for 232 students from six local schools.

In 2010 The Northern Journey was revamped, the production was expanded and the College aimed to reach even more students. BASE recruited professional actors and a dance choreographer to work with students from Newcastle College and local community theatre groups. The production was moved to the 250 seat Peter Sarah Theatre in Newcastle College’s Performance Academy. In March 2010, almost 500 students from twelve local schools visited the College to see The Northern Journey. Both Newcastle College and BASE aim to build on the success of these first two years in future productions.

What is The Northern Journey about?

The production centres around three young people who are due to leave school and face tough decisions on where their next steps will lead them. Confused and unsure of what to do and under constant pressure from parents, school and friends it seems there is no hope or drive towards a successful future. Slipping into a surreal dream world our young people transform into contestants on a wild, wacky and humorous game show that awakens their inner hobbies and interests. Our characters go through an epic adventure of self discovery and unearth some useful career paths, learning about and using Higher Education as their goal. This “Northern Journey” guides and aids them to make decisions on the next stage of their lives.

Ultimately the aim of the performance is to enhance students’ understanding of Higher Education in its broadest sense and to complement existing activity at other institutions, such as ACE days and Zip Theatre or Cragrats productions.