Before I came to Croydon, I, like the vast majority of the country, reguarded it as a bit of a joke place, the home of Terry And June and a target of ridicule by Mike Leigh. These days, of course, it has a more dubious reputation, being reguarded as a dangerous, perilous hole, a reputation it has aquired mainly from the percieved actions of its young people. But in CYTO (Croydon Youth Theatre) there is something truly beautiful going on; it is a place where young people can come, no matter what their race, gender or sexual orientation, and find a home from home, a supportive family...a place to go. It has gained a national and international name for itself for it's fine, sometimes brilliant work, and consistently produces shows of quality. Having said that, to become a member of CYTO you don't need to be able to act, dance or sing (though many can), you just need to 'be', and it offers structure to some young lives that is sometimes sorely lacking. It is a positive place for young people to go in a borough blighted with knife and gang crime. And what do Croydon Council choose to do? Dismantel it entirely; one of the few jewels Croydon has in it's crown, and they throw it away. We all know that times are hard, and cuts have to be made, but this is truly a piece of unthinking, unimaginative, short sighted vandalism. Is this the example we want to set before our young people? Please, if you've ever had anything to do with the performing arts or young people, or just care about the vibrant soul of this country; even if you've never heard of Croydon Youth Theatre, please, please, please, sign this petition today.

#16: Richard Vincent - CYTO 

For many of us who didn't come from families of means, CYTO was a lifesaver.  It was a place where we found confidence through working with others who shared the same passion, collaborating, creating, developing a whole set of skills and access to practioners who really cared about what they were doing.  It was a place where young people didn't have to believe the myth about themselves.  That in itself, is invaluable. 

#16: Richard Vincent - CYTO 

 

#16: Richard Vincent - CYTO 

 

#16: Richard Vincent - CYTO