STEP Festival gets under way

The 10-day programme is a celebration that teaches the art of theatre to young people and their teachers within the classroom as well as on site in local theatres and other drama venues.

Last year Sir Ian McKellen made his presence at the launch as an encourager for STEP's success. This year's launch welcomed speeches from Simon Hughes MP and Jon Coles, head of London Challenge. Playwright and actor Kwame Kwei-Armah made an appearance to talk about the event and express his encouraging thoughts about young people's role in the future of theatre.

Snowsfields Primary School was just one of the school groups to present what they had already learned from working with the Geoffrey Chaucer Technology College. Their performance was energetic and only a glimpse of what is yet to come in these following ten days.

Be sure to come to the STEP Finale at The Scoop, outside City Hall, Friday 15 July at 2pm. The performance will be an all original Greek drama created by 250 children and The Steam Industry. The Scoop has restricted seating so call the STEP team at 020 7525 5078 and reserve a seat.