Womble Bond Dickinson renews partnership to support Theatre Royal Plymouth’s youth work

International law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, has extended its relationship with Theatre Royal Plymouth (TRP) for a further year, continuing its sponsorship of the Young Company’s flagship end of year show.

TRP runs 11 skills building groups every week across the city via the Young Company, which creates opportunities for young people to learn, grow and be inspired through theatre and provides a platform for anyone aged five to 25 to participate in drama workshops and performance.

The workshops culminate in a unique annual production which offers a chance for participants to explore themes that are important to them and showcase this to audiences. Womble Bond Dickinson sponsored last year’s show, The Sad Club, which looked at growing up and the journey of self-discovery. 24 actors and musicians from the Young Company rehearsed for 125 hours over an intensive three-week rehearsal period in the summer, and The Sad Club was performed in The Drum at TRP to an audience of 358 people. Following its success, Womble Bond Dickinson has committed to fund the next Young Company show, which will take place this summer.

Womble Bond Dickinson (WBD) is committed to supporting the local community and economy and works with the region’s leading businesses to help them prosper. Primarily working in the property, manufacturing and public sectors that the city is renowned for, the team supports clients across all sectors. 

Craig Moore, Partner and Head of WBD's Plymouth office, said: "We are thrilled to be supporting the Young Company production once again, which plays a huge role in providing a pathway for the next generation of creatives to gain valuable experience.

"Last year's production saw two of the cast move into drama school since performing, with this programme providing a foot in the door to foster that burgeoning interest.

"Theatre Royal Plymouth provides unique opportunities for the local community across the city and our continued support in sponsoring the production enables young people, some of whom are taking part for the first time, to take that initial step, and we look forward to being there on opening night."

Womble Bond Dickinson has supported TRP for over 15 years, beginning its specific Young Company show sponsorship last year. Its generous backing funds all aspects of bringing the show to life, including the set design and costumes. 

Ryan Wilce, Engagement and Learning Associate at Theatre Royal Plymouth, said: “We are truly grateful for Womble Bond Dickinson’s ongoing support for our Young Company show. Last year’s The Sad Club was outstanding, in terms of the final performance but also the commitment shown by all the participants in the creation of the show. As well as gaining professional experience on or off the stage and developing key skills, the Young Company gives the cast an opportunity to bond as a group and build friendships. The feedback we received was overwhelming and we are delighted to plan for another Young Company show again thanks to the benevolent funding from Womble Bond Dickinson. Without them, and our other local corporate partners, we simply wouldn’t be able to run our crucial community projects.”

For more information about how TRP works with young people in the community, visit www.theatreroyal.com/take-part/young-people/#young-company.