Sophia Jones

“I’ve thought hard about how I can describe my time with IY, and I could go on forever but in a nutshell: Fun – Everyone has fun whilst learning.  It was nice to see the participants being able to play whilst learning. This creates an environment that allows the young people to just be who they are. High energy – The physical energy is off the charts! And the overall energy in the room of the staff and the young people is warm and welcoming, making it a place you want to be. Needs to be bigger - IY needs to branch out! Provide more young people up and down the country the opportunity to benefit from the IY bug is a must!”

Georgia White - Royal Shakespeare Company Head of National Partnerships

"We are delighted to work in partnership with Intermission Youth as part of our network of Associate Regional Theatres. Intermission have been instrumental in supporting our talent development and youth leadership work with young people in our Associate Schools Programme. They have provided expert advice and guidance on the development of our inclusive workshop practice. We continue to be inspired by the work that Intermission Youth are engaged in and the difference they make on a daily basis to the lives of the young people they work with and the arts organisations they collaborate with."

Adjani Salmon - Writer, Director & Actor

"It was a pleasure seeing such exciting films from equally exciting and promising filmmakers. It is evident that Intermission is cultivating a space for young people to express and explore as artist."

Sarah Chiappini - Director/Solicitor, Filanthropia Consulting

“I am privileged to have worked with Intermission Youth since 2019 when I assisted with its establishment as a stand-alone charity.  My husband and I have hugely enjoyed seeing the magnificent performances of the wonderful Intermission Youth team.  The Q & A sessions at the end of the performances are both inspiring and humbling.  It is abundantly clear that Intermission Youth provides the opportunity for young people not only to learn theatre and performance skills, but to learn to believe and to be the best versions of themselves.  I am looking forward to all that 2024 has to offer."

Sherry Dobbin - Founder of SRD Culture Ltd

"Intermission Youth is a rare and highly successful theatre training programme that grows the next generations of talent from those who bring diverse life perspectives, and in exchange, the collaboration of theatre practice empowers ambitious individuals with life-long tools to creatively shape our futures. Darren's passion, talent and network reach into many theatre networks, opening up worlds for young people and breaking down London boundaries. The only thing holding Intermission back is a dedicated home to expand their training and for the alumni to grow their production spin-offs and network. Theatre was my link to a world beyond the housing estate and so it is a privilege to help Intermission find its home."

Wendy Richards - Director and Producer

"Any session with Intermission Youth is a positive energy-filled, festival of talents. As a practitioner I believe in the power of stories and that theatre can change the world - the staff and young artists of Intermission set about this purpose every day, using theatre to explore and examine our humanity with all its triumphs and disasters and the raw talent which is nurtured is a thing of sheer beauty and vital importance in equal measure. This is a company of vital importance and it is catnip for the soul to work with Intermission."

Barrington Desouza (SAI) -Lawyer, Leadership Academy Coach & Mentor

"I am a Lawyer of over 18 years qualification. I qualified in a big City Law Firm where I worked for 15 years, the moved onto the Ministry of Justice to gain more Commercial experience. I am also one third of “Perceptions Initiative”, liaising with the Metropolitan Police in relation to “Stop & Search”. In conjunction with practising as a Senior Lawyer at the London Fire Commission, I am a Mentor & Coach inside & outside (The Amos Bursary) of the Organisation where I now work. I was introduced to Intermission Youth by Sir Mark Rylance. He was rehearsing in Studios (Jerwood Space) next door to where I work (London Fire Commissioner).

The Intermission Youth Group is a great initiative and I have had the pleasure of working/rehearsing with the last Cohort (2022/2023) on Saturdays at the former rehearsal studios in Victoria. I’ve seen the Yth grow in confidence and professionalism throughout the year, culminating in the wonderful production of (“MSND”). A memorable moment of particular note, was the very moving question and answer session at the end of one of the night’s showing of (“MSND”), where the audience asked the cast various questions. This was a standout moment for me."

Jodie Le Marrec - Intermission Youth's Fundraiser

"Whilst working with Intermission Youth, I continue to be in awe of the staff and young people at the organisation. The impact of the programmes is outstanding, and it is an honour to be part of the fundraising team."

Mitch Mitchelson - Drama Practitioner

"I have had the pleasure of contributing creatively to Intermission Youth’s theatre summer schools over the years, introducing the students to the joys of Commedia dell’ Arte, mask, and the poetics of slapstick and its Shakespearean resonances. We have explored in these classes how thIs material and might be relevant to forthcoming productions of I Y. The enthusiasm and curiosity expressed by the participants has been evident and a pleasure to harness and direct. IY is a breath of fresh air in theatre circles , as it offers opportunities for participants in their programmes of social inclusion to develop confidence, creativity and in some cases vocational possibilities in the theatre and film industries. Their team of creative dynamos and nurturers continue to inspire their clientele of young inner city participants to new horizons of creative potential, through workshops, new skills garnered and through their imaginative takes on Shakespearean themes though their productions."

Geoff Beale - Commedia Dell'arte Specialist

"A friend told me about Intermission and how they were seeking a commedia dell’arte specialist and so one Friday I went to the Arcola to teach my first ever class for them. I found we all introduced ourselves with a good old hug and the day got better from there. The students flung themselves into being silly, larger than life and emotional, they asked challenging questions and in the impros, listened to each other. The room was full of energy and I look forward to watching their play in the autumn. Great stuff."

Jane Elfer - Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist

"I went to Intermission Youth’s performance of MSND at Chelsea 3 years ago. I was immediately impressed by the young people and their capacity to articulate their feelings about what Intermission Youth offered. Darren Raymond was sitting just behind me and after the show I asked him if they had any psychological support. He took my details and the rest is history! Intermission Youth arrived in my life just as I retired from over 20 years of work as a child psychotherapist in the NHS. It has given new life and purpose to my passion of working with children and young people. The young people are curious about their mental health and have warmly accepted my presence. There are now 2 of us in the counselling service and we have hopes to expand what we can offer both to the young people but also to the amazing team who offer such an extraordinary service."

Fran Swaine - Lawyer

“I was introduced to Intermission Youth about 10 years ago through my work, I think I’ve seen most of the productions since then. It’s an amazing organisation, led with passion and incredible quality of student care, ensuring the annual cohorts learn in an enthusiastic atmosphere and come through with the most professional productions. I’ve worked with different layers of management , seeking to add yet further layers to the professionalism in the room, and nowadays mentor a few of the alumni who I’ve come to know particularly well. The pride in productions and hard work to ensure every young person can give of their best are fundamental principles that it is a privilege to see in action.”

Jade Franks - Actor and Writer

"I have worked with Intermission in my role at The Royal Court for the past two years. Every time I see one of their shows, visit their workshops or invite them to the theatre I am overwhelmed by how much talent and kindness there is in the room. Darren and Nana cultivate relationships with their young people that go beyond just teaching them about theatre or the industry. The care that is so present in the group is what makes them an organisation I hope to work with again and again."