Bridging The Gap
Bridging the Gap was founded by Jane Martin in 2024, because she had such happy memories and enduring friendships from years in a young adult theatre group. There is a real need to make sure the next generation of amateur theatre makers remain engaged and upskilled – we need their energy and enthusiasm.
At Bridging the Gap, youngsters aged 16+ get the opportunity to take ownership of every aspect of their annual show. Along the way they master, not only the creative and technical sides of theatre, but also skills transferable to the world of work - teamwork, perseverance and attention to detail. If that’s not enough, their social skills and confidence grow and we all have loads of fun and laugh…we laugh a lot.
In the group’s first year, guest tutors taught circus skills, singing, dancing, physical theatre and stage combat. So I wrote a jukebox musical - Welcome to Little Toplea Bottom – to showcase those skills and include all members of the group.
2025’s show - Rest in Cheese – was a musical comedy written by two Bridging the Gap members - Adam Carter and Fawn Saxon – Fawn also directed the production, with fellow members Charlie Boardman as Musical Director and Rosie Harkins as Stage Manager. The cast all contributed to the making of props and costumes and marketing the show.
2026's show is a muscial showcase of the group's talents.
A note from Jane:
'I am so very proud of what Bridging the Gap has achieved so far - the talent, commitment and versatility of our young people blows me away. I am truly in awe of them.'
Bridging the Gap meets at Guide Bridge Theatre on most Sundays at 5pm, if you are interested in getting involved email BTG@gbtheatre.co.uk