Develop your creative voice in supportive and youth-led reflective sessions
Young Reviewers is for young people in Peterborough to come together to explore, discuss and share what they're watching, listening to and experiencing.
Whether you're interested in theatre, film, music, games, books, or any creative work, Young Reviewers connects 16-24 year olds with cultural experiences and professional mentoring to develop their voice through workshops, live events and peer discussion.
Sessions are led by journalist and facilitator Maddy Costa, whose work spans writing, dramaturgy and creating new ways to talk about performance. She is joined by Jen Roberts, writer, theatremaker and Marketing & Participation Assistant at Jumped Up Theatre, who contributes support, ideas and guidance throughout the sessions.
What You'll Do
Experience new creative work together: Attend events in Peterborough and beyond.
Share your honest thoughts: Talk about what you did and didn’t like, sharing your thoughts with people your age.
Develop your voice: Learn to think critically about creative work, and express your views.
Connect with other young people: Build a network of young people who share your interests.
What You’ll Get
Access to creative events - such as live performances, theatre, music, film screenings.
Travel and tickets covered - removing barriers to experiencing creative work.
CV and work experience opportunities - valuable for university applications and job interviews.
Communication and creative skills development - perfect for anyone who wants to develop a career in the creative industries.
Professional mentoring - ongoing support from experienced creative professionals.
Peer community - connect with like-minded 16-24 year olds in Peterborough.
Flexible participation - online workshops and in-person events.
Creative confidence building - develop your voice and critical thinking skills.
Why Should I Join?
Shape Peterborough's creative conversation: Your reviews and responses get woven together into collaborative blog posts that capture the collective Young Reviewers’ perspective on Peterborough's creative scene.
You choose your visibility: Get credited for your contributions or stay anonymous - it's entirely your call. You can also opt out of any blog post if you change your mind.
Build your portfolio: Every blog post becomes part of a growing collection of your critical voice in action - perfect evidence of your developing communication skills and cultural engagement.
See it in action: Click here to see how Young Reviewers' voices come together.
Who we are
Maddy Costa
Maddy Costa works as a writer, dramaturg, critical friend, conversation facilitator, zine-maker and more. She is co-author with Andy Field of Performance in an Age of Precarity (Methuen, 2021), and collaborates with writers/artists Mary Paterson and Diana Damian Martin on Something Other, where performance and writing meet in new ways. She co-hosts a pop-up theatre club – like a book group, but for performance – at Cambridge Junction, and theatres across London.
Jen Roberts
Jen is Marketing and Participation Assistant at Jumped Up Theatre, as well as a freelance writer and theatremaker. While studying for her Creative Writing degree at the Northern Writing School, she became Manchester correspondent for Lost in Theatreland, covering shows from the Royal Exchange and Palace Theatres to Aviva Studios’ Manchester International Festival and the Greater Manchester Fringe. She’s also an early-career scriptwriter, with work performed at The Fitzgerald and Hope Mill Theatre.
Made up your mind?
Still not sure? Here are some FAQs
Is this about theatre reviewing? We will invite you to see some theatre, but we are also interested in whatever you are passionate about - be it performance, gaming, books, or exhibitions - anything!
Do I have to be a writer? This is less about becoming a writer, and more about developing and sharing your voice - it could be through writing or podcasting, or films and vlogging, or photographs, or animation - really, any format that can be shared. You will be encouraged to develop your own voice in whatever formats you enjoy.
What will it cost? Nothing - and we will source you free tickets and cover travel costs outside of Peterborough.
Who can apply? Any young person aged 16-24 who lives, works or studies in Peterborough can apply.
Do I have to go to the events on my own? We arrange group visits or for pairs of tickets, if that’s what you want.
Can you help with my access needs? Absolutely - get in touch and we will make a plan together.
How do I apply? Email jen@jumpeduptheatre.com or call Jen on 07598913720. Jen will send you some information and will answer any questions you might have.