The realities faced by care leavers and the professionals that support them is at the centre of a new play to be staged at Midlands Arts Centre later this month. 

Presented by Birmingham-based Women & Theatre, Taking Steps has been developed from research and inspired by real conversations. Promising to be both funny and moving, the stage show features live performance and soundscape of spoken word and original music. 

Performed by professional actors interacting with the recorded voices of young people, the insightful performance piece follows three Leaving Care Workers, and through their work, shares snapshots of the lives of the young people they support.

This production is part of Women & Theatre’s Moving On project, a 2-year initiative co-delivered with care-experienced young people, which aims to make changes, break stereotypes and prepare young people to leave care. Funded by Esmee Fairbairn Foundation, the project has been led by Women & Theatre, in partnership with Birmingham Children’s Trust and Birmingham City Council.

Talking about the play, Janice Connolly BEM, W&T's Artistic Director, said: “I am so pleased that we are presenting this brilliant piece of new theatre. The production is beautifully staged and performed, and the way the voices of the young people’s characters are included is dynamic and affecting. As public services continue to be squeezed and the threat of increased austerity looms large, it feels more important than ever to shine a light on care-experienced young people and the professionals that work alongside them. These young people are in our care.”

Taking Steps shows at Midlands Arts Centre on 23 & 24 November at 7.30pm. The 24 November performance will be BSL interpreted by Racheel Veazey and all performances are followed by discussions co-facilitated by Janice Connolly and care experienced young people.