20 November 2024

Stacked Wonky young performers light up Sadler’s Wells main stage

Thanks to grant funding from the Hinkley Point C (HPC) Community Fund, which is administered by Somerset Community Foundation (SCF), 14 young people from the Porlock-based dance theatre company, Stacked Wonky, were able to step out on London’s famous Sadler’s Wells main stage in front of a packed auditorium earlier this year.  

The group, aged 11 to 18, performed You Don’t Know Either, an original work by first time director, 18-year-old Benjamin Johnson from Stacked Wonky. The performance was part of Making Moves, a national programme celebrating choreography and performance, and Stacked Wonky were one of 9 groups from across England to be shortlisted to showcase their creativity and talent at the theatre – which is home to the biggest dance stage in Europe. 

To perfect just 10 minutes of performance, the group travelled to London the day before to undergo rigorous technical and dress performances. The trip also included a workshop with internationally renowned choreographer, Oona Doherty. 

Sarah Shorten, Artistic Director at Stacked Wonky, said: “We were awarded a £10,000 grant over 3 years from the HPC Community Fund, which has allowed us to directly support many of the key young people involved in delivering this performance. Without that funding we would never have been able to create this piece of work by our young director Benjamin, our performers, as well as our young costume and lighting designers.”  

Peter Stolze, Programmes Manager at Somerset Community Foundation, said: “In an area of Somerset that offers many science-led opportunities by organisations such as Hinkley Point C, such experiences are critical for west of Somerset youngsters interested in the performing arts.  Stacked Wonky’s work helps build confidence of young people and builds on the careers advice received in schools, while improving their transferrable employability skills.  

“This project will continue to work with young people in areas that have experienced varied impacts of the HPC development, to improve community cohesion, bringing people together, while also building the confidence of young people to take advantage of opportunities presented by Hinkley Point C in the future.” 

Andrew Cockcroft, Head of Stakeholder Engagement and Social Impact at Hinkley Point C said: “It’s great to see another example of the difference this funding is making to the lives and ambitions of so many young people locally. Congratulations to the talented young dancers and also to all those who have helped them quite literally get to this – rather impressive – stage.” 

15-year-old Lulu, from Stacked Wonky said: “The energy before we went on and when we came off was just an amazing feeling.”   

Seeing Dance, a not-for-profit news, reviews and features website for dance and associated movement arts, described the evening as “very special”, praising Stacked Wonky’s young performers for having delivered an exciting new work recognising “dance is a great deal more than just entertainment.” 

The HPC Community Fund includes the Small Grants Programme which awards grants of up to £20,000, and the Open Grants Programme, for larger applications. 

The funding is for groups working in local communities to address changes to people’s quality of life or to make the most of the opportunities created by Hinkley Point C. Visit www.hpcfunds.co.uk for more details. If you would like to discuss your project or idea please contact Amelia Thompson, Senior Programmes Manager: amelia.thompson@somersetcf.org.uk or call: 01749 344949 

The HPC Community Fund is part of a wider commitment of funding provided by EDF through Section 106 agreements. It is available for communities that are affected by the development of the new nuclear power station, to help promote their social, economic and environmental wellbeing and enhance their quality of life. Hundreds of projects have benefitted so far, and in total almost £15.5 million in grants have been awarded to date, including over £9 million from the Fund managed by SCF. 

Somerset Community Foundation is a grant-making charity that helps build strong communities where everyone can thrive. They do this by funding local charities and facilitating local giving. 

SCF provides simple, rewarding and impactful ways for donors to give locally, guided by research and their unrivalled local knowledge.  

For small, local charities, community groups and social enterprises, they provide vital funding and support to help their organisations flourish. They provide over £4 million of funding to local groups every year. 

By inspiring local giving and funding social action, they support local communities to drive change and realise their dreams. 

Photo Caption:  Sarah Shorten and Seb Tesouro (musician) outside Sadler’s Wells main entrance, with young Stacked Wonky performers: Alex, Ethan, Luca, Lenny, Yoshi, Stanley, Leo, James, Lulu, Iola, Minna, Erin, Sophie, and choreographer, Benjamin, lighting designer, Arthur, and costume designer, Isaac.