Young actors talk about how hard they found lockdown as theatres open again

• Rachel Hepworth went to see how young performers are bouncing back at Centrestage Youth Theatre in Chandlers Ford

In a break between rehearsals for "Shrek- the Musical", Eva Angell-Collins tells me that being back on stage has transformed her life: "I developed a really bad anxiety disorder during lockdown, and  I struggled going back to secondary school," she says.

"Coming here really helped a lot because everyone kind of gets you and you don't feel judged and it's easy to be yourself."

For many youngsters, losing their creative outlet and being isolated from their theatre family has caused real despair.

In a business so much about interacting, something deeply personal was lost as stage doors remained firmly closed.

For the professionals it meant financial hardship - for young actors starting out, there were few opportunities to develop their skills and follow their dreams.

Now, theatres are opening up again, to the delight of audiences and performers alike.

Among them, is Centrestage, a youth theatre group from Hampshire which is putting on its first big performance since lockdown ended.

The company, which rehearses in Chandlers Ford offers young people the chance to perform and help build confidence and self esteem.

13 year old Ella Louise Smith says she struggled during lockdown and is very happy to back performing again.

"When you are in person in front of the audience it is such a feeling you can't describe what it is like.

"The rush of when the curtains come up. It was just really boring life without it.

"I felt so lonely I would just sit in my room."

Not all of the children are extroverts- and losing safe, supportive and inclusive spaces has affected their confidence.

Fellow student, Hayden Deadman said "I struggled a lot it didn't help with my school work I just wanted to get out of the house.

"I just got attached to my computer games."

He is also back at Centre Stage and found lockdowns very isolating.

Mike Mullen is the Production Manager for Centre Stage. He added, "The wider impact of what we do is huge.

"It's a hobby but there is far more to it than that. The chance to socialise again, get back with their peers, doing what they love again gives them a massive boost coming after two long years."

What is heartening to see, however, is how quickly the children are returning to their confident and happy selves.

Back doing what they love, and proving that the show WILL go on.

Centrestage will be performing 'Shrek -The Musical' at The Point in Eastleigh between February the 23rd and 26th.