Three students from Sacred Heart Catholic High School won places on the RSC ‘Next Generation Act’ project when scouts saw them perform in an RSC Associate School performance at Northern Stage.
In what is to be their second RSC performance, Goodness Odumade and Erin Devine, who are both in Year 9, and Angelie Riconalla from Year 11, will be taking part in William Shakespeare’s play ‘Timon of Athens’ at The Other Place in Stratford.
In the August production, Goodness portrays military leader Alcibiades, while Erin takes on the role of Timon’s servant Lucilius, and Anglie showcases her versatility by playing both the Jeweller and Phyrnia.
Sacred Heart High School and RSC Young Theatre
The Newcastle school is both an RSC Associate School and a member of the Bishop Bewick Catholic Education Trust.
Kerrie Palma, Head of Performing Arts explained:
“The project is designed to support emerging talent from backgrounds that may not typically have access to professional opportunities in the arts.
“Next Generation Act works with selected individuals over several years to develop their performance skills, build confidence, and take their first steps into the world of work.”
The programme, which trains participants up until the age of 18, includes workshops as well as public performances. This year’s play is directed by Paul Ainsworth, RSC Young Theatre Makers Developer, with set and costume design by Alex Doidge-Green, music by Joseph Atkins, and movement direction by Eloise Secker
Palma continued:
“This innovative adaptation of Shakespeare and Thomas Middleton’s morality fable is brought to life by the RSC’s Next Generation Act Young Company, featuring young theatre makers from across England.
“This collaborative version of Timon of Athens explores themes of wealth, loyalty, and societal collapse.”
2024 in Stratford
The three Sacred Heart School drama students previously performed in Stratford in 2024. Performing Arts Head Kerrie Palma elaborated:
“Last year, students continued their actor training with a week-long residency in April. Working closely with RSC artists in Stratford-upon-Avon, they focused on building essential skills in communication, collaboration, and ensemble work.
“Their year ended with a production of ‘Two Gentlemen of Verona,’ performed on 20 to 21 August 2024.
“Their participation highlights the diverse talents nurtured through the RSC’s Next Generation programme.”
2025 Next Generation: ‘Timon of Athens’
The programme notes for this new version of Shakespeare and Middleton’s morality fable by our Next Generation Act Young Company strike a dramatic note:
‘Athens is on the brink of collapse: lavish parties for the few and an oppressive senate for the rest. In the centre of it all sits Timon, surrounded by guests who gladly take all they can get. But as Timon’s credit runs out and the city teeters on the brink it all comes crashing down.’
If you are going to Stratford-upon-Avon in August this year, tickets can be booked here.
This article is based on a media release from BarkingDog Media.
