Young Voices Set to take over popular West Midlands Safari Park

Young people take centre stage, not inside the traditional theatre, but amid the wild wonders of West Midland’s Safari Park for a fun, vibrant, creative day, celebrating the work and voices of students involved in the National Theatre’s Speak Up programme, delivered locally by Wolverhampton Grand Theatre.

The event will bring together students from schools across the city and surrounding areas who have spent the last year exploring themes of identity, community, and change through creative expression. It will serve as a celebration of the ideas, questions, and challenges raised by young people through the Speak Up movement.

Since 2022, The Wolverhampton Grand Theatre partnered with local schools to co-create work and nurture a generation of new storytellers, activists and creative thinkers.

The day will be packed with music, art, and activity, transforming the Safari Park into a hub of creativity. Open sessions will include a world music workshop, visual art zones, fun photo opportunities and much more.

A key moment in the day will be a silent ‘Voice for the Voiceless’ parade, where students will wear custom-designed face masks and carry beautifully created Banners that reflect the themes they’ve explored throughout the year. Ranging from social justice to mental health, identity and belonging.

There will also be a showcase of work including performances, speeches and film debuts.

Speak Up is a National Theatre initiative running in partnership with theatres across the country. In Wolverhampton, the programme is led by the Grand Theatre and works directly within schools to help students use creativity to express themselves and challenge the world around them. The upcoming Safari Park event marks the end of the academic year for this cohort, a space to come together, reflect, and celebrate everything that’s been created.

The day promises to be an expressive celebration of youth voice, powered by creativity and co-creation.

Speak Up is built on collaboration and co-creation. In Wolverhampton, the programme has allowed us to work with a team of incredible local artists who are passionate about empowering young people and making the arts more accessible in schools and communities.

Tristan has been part of Speak Up in Wolverhampton since its launch, first delivering creative sessions in schools as an artist, and now leading the programme as Project Manager. With a background in Theatre, he has worked across stage and screen, including productions at the Lyric Hammersmith and workshops around the West Midlands 

He is passionate about breaking down barriers to arts careers, particularly for young people who feel the industry isn’t for them and uses his own experiences to ensure their voices are not just heard, but championed.

Fran is a director and theatre-maker with a passion for physical and devised theatre that’s accessible to all. She’s worked with companies including Birmingham REP and Gazebo Theatre, and brings a collaborative, energetic approach to every session she leads.

Caris is a Wolverhampton-based collage artist whose work turns recycled paper into bold, story-led designs. Her inclusive, process-driven approach to making art encourages young people to experiment, express and enjoy creativity without pressure.