Posted on 4th Oct
Newark Palace Theatre has awarded its latest Our Past Your Future Fund grants to four young people pursuing a career in the arts.
The fund was set up in 2020 as a legacy scheme to mark the theatre’s 100th birthday. To honour a centenary at the heart of Newark, the Palace team wanted to help ensure that culture would continue to thrive in the area by supporting young residents aged 16 to 25 with their creative career ambitions.
This year, the theatre received 15 applications covering a wide range of disciplines, from ballet to sound recording, musical theatre, choreography, and fashion design.
Tommy-Lee Storr (pictured) was awarded the main prize of £1,500. He will use to support his BA (Hons) in musical theatre at the prestigious Emil Dale Academy.
Tommy-Lee has already made a strong impact in Newark’s art scene, taking part in Newark Amateur Operatic Society’s productions from the age of 11, training at the local Elaine Varney School of Dance and, more recently, leading classes himself at Studio29 and supporting Market Place events with Newark Town Council.
Carys Coulton-Jones, business manager for Heritage and Culture at Newark and Sherwood District Council, said: “We were impressed with Tommy-Lee’s interview where his passion really shone through. He made it clear that he wants to continue giving back to the community and inspiring future generations, which is exactly what the Our Past, Your Future Fund is all about.”
Further secondary grants were awarded to Harvey Woodward, who will study at the Academy of Northern Ballet; Sophie Brown, who will study location sound at the National Film and Television School; and Isobel Cropper, who will study musical theatre at Lincoln University.
Coun Rowan Cozens, deputy leader and portfolio holder for Heritage, Culture and the Arts at the council, added: “The number and variety of applications this year were really encouraging and are evidence of the talent and passion that our local area produces.
“I’m delighted to see the Palace Theatre continuing to champion the arts in Newark and Sherwood and I encourage everyone to support their local theatre so that this brilliant fund can continue for many years.”
Palace principal sponsors Tallents Solicitors are partners in the project and the company’s senior partner, Alistair Millar, said: “Tallents Solicitors had already been practising in Newark for 150 years when the Palace Theatre was established in 1920, and it’s been incredible to see how it has become an important part of the Newark community we all live in.
“For over 100 years now the theatre has had an exceptional pedigree in both welcoming, encouraging and inspiring emerging and upcoming creative talent in our market town.
“With our continuing support, we are delighted to be able to help the Palace Theatre Newark reach out to the local community and support those seeking to become involved in the wonderful world of theatre and performing arts. This year, the selection of a winner was made even harder by the exceptional range of talents shown by the applicants.”
