Shop Life stars talk about their experiences at a play about reality TV at Live Theatre

Tom Whalley and Evie Dodds who feature on BBC TV’s reality TV show Shop Life filmed in the MetroCentre will take part in a discussion about reality TV at Live Theatre on Saturday 26 October. Tom from Whickham in Gateshead and Evie, from Chester-le-Street will watch The Only Way is Chelsea's, a new play developed with young people about reality television programmes. They will join the writer, cast and creative team in discussion lead by Paul James, Live Theatre’s Director of Education to talk about their experiences and the effects of reality TV on young people. The Only Way is Chelsea's is at Live Theatre for three performances Friday 25 and Saturday 26 October 2013, with the post show discussion taking place as after the performance on Saturday night. The Only Way is Chelsea's is an exploration of the effect of reality television programmes such as The Only Way is Essex and Made in Chelsea, on young people today.  It opens up the debate about the growing influence of digital media and investigates how far young people are influenced by the increasing number of superficial ideals promoted on television. Tom Whalley said: “I'm delighted to have been invited to talk at Live Theatre on the subject of reality television, revealing secrets from behind the lens and what it's really like to be thrust into 'stardom'." To help create the play, Root Theatre ran a month of research workshops with over 100 young people in York. Using these research workshops the theatre company created the story of 14 year old Chelsea from Acomb, York, who thinks her life is a mess but who has a plan to turn it around by starring in her own reality drama. But can life in front of the lens refocus the many troubles behind it? It is a funny, dark and touching tale about one girl's quest to reinvent her own reality and what can happen if you get what you wish for. Writer Frazer Flintham said; 'It has been a revelation. Myself and the director Jane discovered things we didn’t even know existed – it seems that the pressures that young people are facing from social media are more pressing and complex than we ever anticipated. During the workshops we asked young people to give us their reactions to reality drama and used practical exercises to capture how they feel about it, how it affects them, and how they think a young person might choose to represent their on such a programme. The workshops really confirmed to me that the idea of crafting your ideal personal narrative is a very common theme for young people.” The play is presented as part of Juice – NewcastleGateshead’s award-winning festival for children and young people produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative, which takes place from Friday 25 October to Sunday 3 November 2013. The 10 day festival showcases outstanding work created by, for and with children and young people as well as a family friendly programme delivered by regional, national and international artists.  For more information and to book tickets, please visit: www.juicefestival.co.uk . Juice is developed and produced by NewcastleGateshead Initiative as part of its festivals and events programme.  The Port of Tyne / www.portoftyne.co.uk is proud sponsor of the 2013 festival. Claire Newton, Juice Festival Manager said; “This project tackles some very important issues young people face and the play itself is inspired by their views, experiences and pressure felt to live life through a lens. We’re delighted to be presenting The Only Way is Chelsea’s as part of Juice Festival and we hope to use it as a springboard for an exciting future co-commission.” In 2013 Live Theatre celebrates 40years of making theatre and its anniversary year is supported by the Port of Tyne. The Only Way is Chelsea's is performed at Live Theatre, Newcastle at 2pm and 8pm on Friday 25 and at 8pm on Saturday 26 October with the free post show discussion after the Saturday evening performance.  It is suitable for ages 11 upwards. For more information on The Only Way is Chelsea's and to buy tickets costing between £8 full and £6 concessions ring Live Theatre’s box office on (0191) 232 1232 or see www.live.org.uk.