Youngsters tackle issues of bullying (From Bridport and Lyme Regis News)

Youngsters tackle issues of bullying

8:00pm Tuesday 26th June 2012 in Stage By Ruth Meech

A HARD-HITTING look at the terrible cost of bullying is being performed by members of Dorchester Youth Theatre this week.

The junior section of the popular drama club are performing Bully, a musical that tackles the problems and price of bullying among youngsters.

The story unfolds as seen through the eyes of Kim, the leader of a girl gang, and was written by Jo Sands and Ruth Kenward. The production is directed by Jo Simons.

Olivia Pearson, who plays the role of Kim, said: “I force a girl called Ellie, who wants to join my gang, to take a phone that belongs to a boy called Jake.

“That’s what she has to do to join the gang but because of what she does Jake ends up running away with his friend Danny.”

Ellie is played by Ivy Langley and Jake by Danny Verkaike.

Danny, who turns out to be Kim’s brother, is played by Tom Bradbury. When Danny disappears with Jake, Kim starts to worry but when she finds them she realises the impact that the bullying has had on the boys – and also discovers why Ellie has been so keen to join her gang.

In the end, the youngsters face up to their fears and face down another, older child who is at the root of the problem.

Jo Simons said: “The subject is something that all the kids can relate to because most of them know people who have been bullied at some time, or have been bullied themselves.

“Also, their schools teach them about how to deal with bullying and drive the anti-bullying message. As we find out through the play, very often people are bullies because they are being bullied.”

She added: “Everyone has worked really hard on the play and they are great – they just seem to be able to pull it out of the bag.

“It’s the first time I have done a musical, so I wasn’t sure how I would do it – or even how well the kids could sing. But they have been brilliant and have such strong voices so I’m really pleased with how it has gone.”

Bully is at Dorchester Corn Exchange in High West Street on June 28 and 29 at 7pm. Tickets are £5 plus concessions from 01305 266926.