Brighton Shed is a creative organisation that works with groups of young people of varying abilities and backgrounds, enabling them to contribute to exciting artistically led projects. As an inclusive company it allows everyone to express their creativity in their own unique way.

I joined over a year ago and each week I leave the class with a huge smile on my face. This company is filled with wonderful kids who will always have a place in your heart.

Recently we performed at the BOAT (Brighton’s Open Air Theatre) in Dyke Road Park as part of the Brighton Fringe Festival. We performed our interpretation of the book The Secret Garden. It was such a lovely day, the sun was beaming and the audience really loved it. During the day long rehearsals all the kids cooperated amazingly through the hot weather and when it reached the performance everyone had butterflies in their stomach. There were a lot of people watching! The huge support we got encouraged the kids even more to perform to their very best and in the curtain call I think everyone had goosebumps. Seeing these young people’s hard work truly pay off was such a special moment.

At the end of the performance everyone from the audience came down to learn the finale dance. The support we got from everyone was truly amazing and there was a real sense of community spirit as everyone danced and spun on the stage.

Soon after our performance we found out we won the Primary Times Children's Choice Award.  We were up against the Moscow State Circus, Flyway Katie and Arrr We There Yet? It was such an accomplishment for everyone and the sense of pride and achievement was huge. Masssive congratulations for the kids who deserved each and every one of them, as well as for the leaders of the group, Viv, Jess, TJ and Rob who were the glue that stuck everything together. Without them I really don’t know what we would have done. Overall everyone had an extraordinary time, made some very special memories and left wanting to do it again and again and again!

Helen Protheroe, Year 10 student.