Mortal Fools' talented young actors from Northumberland have left audiences raving after a spring tour of the show 'Inevitable?'

The performances, which explored the experience of growing into adulthood, brought in a crowd of almost 350 people.

The show was brought to life by the Mortal Fools Ensemble Young Company, a Northumberland youth theatre group devoted to those aged 13 to 19.

11 youths from Ashington and Tyne Valley collaborated with Mortal Fools and their associate artists to craft the show from scratch, starting in September last year.

Northumberland culture manager, Wendy Scott, said: "As a young person led production the messaging was beautifully pitched to connect with a wide range of people of all ages in a hugely engaging way.

"The stage craft and effects were highly polished and professional and further amplified the enjoyment of the performance without it being eclipsed.

"It was of the highest quality and better than some professional productions in Edinburgh and London."

Hexham Courant: 11 young people from Northumberland worked with Mortal Fools to bring the production to life11 young people from Northumberland worked with Mortal Fools to bring the production to life (Image: Mortal Fools)

Kiz Crosbie, CEO and artistic director of Mortal Fools, emphasised the significance of the project to Northumberland, which is identified as a 'Levelling Up for Culture' area.

She said: “Northumberland is one of Arts Council England’s Levelling Up for Culture areas, meaning that the county is recognised as having a significantly lower level of arts and culture activities available for people to take part in than the national average.

"Mortal Fools’ work has always been focused on Northumberland and gives exciting artistic opportunities to the young people who live there.

"Inevitable? gave our ensemble young company members the chance to make a high-quality original theatre show through a process of deep collaboration with a range of professional artists, to showcase their work and voices to public audiences and as a beacon for change.”

The project was part of the national Grow Up! Project, a collaboration between Beyond Face, Mortal Fools, Company Three, and Prime Theatre, aiming to use youth theatre as a medium for transformative change.

One Ashington Ensemble Young Company member said: "Mortal Fools has been such a lifeline for me.

"It gives me a space to truly be myself and I have met the most amazing, genuine people.

"The way Mortal Fools gives the young people a voice, is honestly special."

Owing to the success of the Inevitable? show, Mortal Fools has started exploring the possibility of turning it into a film.

Ms Crosbie said: "We know that it's not always easy for audiences to access live theatre performances, so we’re excited to be developing a digital content strategy.

"As part of that, we’re busy working on plans for a filmed version on Inevitable? which will be proudly produced in Northumberland, providing a longer legacy and much wider audience for this brilliant piece of work."

For teens between 13-19 interested in drama, Mortal Fools is offering taster workshops in Ashington this Summer term.

Registration can be done at www.mortalfools.org.uk/register-with-mfyt.