Lottery cash to fund Harlow theatre group's heritage project

A PERFORMING arts charity based in Harlow has been given a £25,000 grant to bring the story of the town’s history to the stage.

Razed Roof, an inclusive drama group for people with and without disabilities and learning difficulties, received the money from the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Young Roots programme - set up to finance young people’s heritage projects.

Razed Roof members in rehearsals

The InForm project will see the group, which is based at The Playhouse, working with researchers to build a picture of how Harlow grew from modest beginnings to become a sprawling new town in the years following the Second World War.

According to artistic director Annette Lidster, the idea for the show was developed as group members recalled their youth.

"It is a fascinating new venture for us," she said. "We hope to have lots of fun in unearthing some of the treasures - and possibly secrets - of Harlow and will share our discoveries using a range of performance skills to enable all members of the group to make a really positive contribution."

The main focus of the production will be the impact of the town’s development on older residents, with the youngsters acting out first-hand accounts of moving to the area in the post-war years.

Robyn Llewellyn, head of Heritage Lottery Fund East of England, said: "This project is a great example of what Young Roots grants are all about.

"Young people will be involved in making the project happen and have the chance to engage meaningfully with their local surroundings and neighbours."

Harlow MP Robert Halfon congratulated the group on securing the grant.

"Razed Roof is one of the most incredible groups from in and around Harlow and I have been privileged to watch many of their activities on a number of occasions," he said.

"I hope that this grant enables them to do even more good work as they are so vital to the community and I wish them every possible success.

"I would also like to thank the Heritage Lottery Fund for realising this group’s need for support."