Empty courtrooms which once bustled with the workings of justice are set to be brought back to life through an innovative project by Hull Truck Youth Theatre. The impressive Edwardian courtrooms in Hull’s Guildhall have mainly stood empty since 2002 when the courts moved to a new centre on Lowgate. But Hull Museum Education is hoping that the rooms and cells can be revived for educational purposes – and have provided the facility for the youth theatre to use on Friday March 28. Young actors will perform short theatrical scenes, giving a glimpse into the history of the building and some grisly tales it has witnessed.

Project director Bella Tristram said: “The Guildhall makes a brilliant venue for theatre, with old grand courtrooms, eerie passages and original cells. Hull Truck Youth Theatre is very grateful for the opportunity to use these spaces. It is with thanks to Hull Museum Education that this is possible and we hope audiences enjoy the experience as much as the actors will.”

The performances will be loosely based on real twentieth-century court cases. Groups of up to 12 people will be taken on one of five tours during the day by some ‘cleaners’. Along the way, the audiences will encounter drama events in the atmospheric wood-pannelled courtrooms – and will go down to the cells to uncover darker secrets! This exciting piece of theatre will be staged by 25 of the older members of the talented youth theatre.

Hull City Council’s head of education Jon Pywell said: “I am delighted to encourage the use of old courts by Hull Truck with young people showing how these spaces in the Guildhall can be brought to life as a backdrop for imaginative performance. In the future we intend to develop other exciting partnerships which will exploit this potential further.”

The Guildhall performances are free and open to the public, but as spaces are limited, they must be reserved in advance: Tel (01482) 224800 or email education@hulltruck.co.uk

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Media enquiries to Alice Mooney on 01482 325012 or alice@hulltruck.co.uk

Notes for editors:
· Hull Truck Youth Theatre is open to young people aged between 10 and 21. Further information can be found on the website, www.hulltruck.co.uk/website/youth.php
· Hull Truck Youth Theatre has an impressive reputation; last year the cast of the youth theatre production Slavers were invited to perform in Westminster at the request of Hull East MP John Prescott.
· Members of Hull Truck Youth Theatre are also rehearsing for the next production, Stags and Hens: The Remix, which will be staged at Hull Truck Theatre from April 2 – 5.
· Hull Truck Youth Theatre is run by the education department, which offers a host of other projects including schools tours, bespoke workshops and work experience.
· The courtrooms are part of the Guildhall, Hull City Council’s headquarters. The Guildhall also houses a public collection that includes fine art, sculpture, furniture, Civic Insignia and silver.
· Any enquiries about the Guildhall and its use for educational purposes should be made to curator Robin Diaper on (01482) 300300.