Drama Geeks shine

With BBC Spotlight and regional recognition

It all began with a spark of creativity and passion at NODA North’s youth performing arts group, Drama Geeks, as they prepared for their latest production of Legally Blonde. With a talented cast aged 11 to 17, the group—led by Principal Charlotte Reid—has been making waves in the local arts scene.

To nurture young talent even further, Drama Geeks launched a new initiative: the Drama Geeks Associates’ Class. This audition-only program is designed for children who aspire to a career in the performing arts. With professional teachers and a cohort of equally passionate peers, these young performers are thriving—honing their craft in a supportive, high-energy environment.

The production features a small, focused cast, giving each performer the chance to truly inhabit their roles across four performances. This immersive experience allows them to grow as actors and deepen their understanding of character development.

Charlotte Reid shared how the buzz began:

“I contacted the Gazette about an article and they put it out across all the North East papers. I think having Dolly, the chihuahua, in the show helped with this—as they do a weekly article about an animal and it made the front page!”

The story didn’t stop there. The article caught the attention of the local BBC, who reached out directly. Soon after, a film crew arrived at the Westovian’s Pier Pavilion Theatre to capture interviews with Charlotte, the cast, and their parents. The segment aired the next evening on BBC Look North, bringing even more attention to the group’s hard work and talent.

The final performance will be attended by a regional representative and councillor, a testament to the growing recognition of Drama Geeks’ impact. With such priceless publicity and a dedicated team behind them, the future looks bright for these rising stars.