Northampton theatre company CEO praised for ‘truly extraordinary legacy’ after winning special award
The CEO of a Northampton theatre company has been praised for his “truly extraordinary legacy” after he won a special award last month.
Leigh Wolmarans is the chief executive and artistic director at Silhouette Youth Theatre, which aims to provide accessible and affordable opportunities for all.
Leigh was the former head teacher of two primary schools before he made the switch to performing arts, and he believes the past eight years have shown how much of a difference this theatre group makes to Northampton.
It was on April 24 when Leigh and Silhouette Youth Theatre were awarded the prestigious John Jennings Award from the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC) for services to education.
Three years ago, life-long RSC audience member John Jennings left a legacy gift with a clear purpose – to connect young people with Shakespeare’s plays. In his memory, the RSC created this annual award to honour individuals whose work has made a significant contribution to Shakespeare teaching.
This year the award went to Leigh and RSC’s deputy executive director Jacqui O’Hanlon said: “From his work as a headteacher and now as CEO of Silhouette Youth Theatre, Leigh’s legacy is truly extraordinary.
“His outstanding leadership, unwavering belief in young people and tireless commitment to putting Shakespeare into their hands is truly awe-inspiring and we are thrilled to be able to recognise his exceptional contribution with this award.”
Talking to the Chronicle & Echo, Leigh was asked how it feels that he and Silhouette Youth Theatre have been acknowledged in this way.
“I don’t think I have any words to explain how much this means to Silhouette and myself,” he said. “We’ve been working with RSC now for quite a while and they’re absolutely exceptional – one of the best organisations I’ve ever worked with. It’s an honour and a privilege to receive this.
“Silhouette Youth Theatre started eight years ago on the top floor of Weston Favell Shopping Centre and I don’t know if any of us knew it would continue and have this impact. We work with 400 young people per week. It’s always been about community and working with young people in areas of disadvantage.”
Leigh has had quite the journey, having started as a headteacher in Northampton in 2004 at Castle Primary School before moving onto Lings Primary School and being a founding member of the Northampton Primary Academy Trust.
“It’s hard to be a charity at the moment, constantly fighting for money and resources,” Leigh continued. “This is validation that we are making a difference. It’s important to have as many positive stories about the arts as we can, as it’s a precarious industry at the moment. Funding is being cut.
“Our key thing is legacy. We want to build a theatre in the middle of the shopping centre. We have young people going into the industry and doing really well. They come back as alumni and show how Silhouette Youth Theatre changed their lives.”
Leigh concluded by giving his thanks to the young people who attend Silhouette Youth Theatre, their families, the practitioners, funders, RSC, Weston Favell Shopping Centre and The Emmanuel Group of Churches.