Song written about the Hazlitt Youth Theatre by Darren Clark to be released on Itunes and Spotify next week
15:00, 04 December 2020
updated: 15:07, 04 December 2020
A song written in ode to the Hazlitt Youth Theatre (HYT), based in Maidstone, will be released on major streaming platforms next week, as the future of the group’s beloved venue remains unclear.
Track 'All the Little Things' is performed by youth theatre members Devon Cable and Lee Bradley and written by the award-winning Darren Clark, whose partner is director of HYT.
Watch: The music video for All the Little Things
Last month, Maidstone Borough Council (MBC) announced plans to terminate its contract with Parkwood Theatres, which has run the the Hazlitt since 2013, in an effort to save cash after the pandemic took a heavy toll on the authority's finances.
As well as many questions over the theatre's future, it led to fears over where HYT and other community group could go, under the plans.
However, following furious public backlash and interventions from Maidstone MP Helen Grant and local councillors, the plans were halted and the decision has been deferred until January.
HYT has been running from the Hazlitt for 22 years and All the Little Things was written as part of the campaign which urged MBC to reconsider cutting the contract.
It has been played more than 15,000 times on social media and will be released on Spotify, Itunes and all major streaming platforms on Tuesday.
All proceeds will go towards HYT.
A music video has also been created by HYT alumni Josh Barnes and Ashley Snoding.
Mr Barnes said: "All the Little Things encapsulates my experience of The Hazlitt Theatre.
"A place that connected me with some of my best mates, supported me in the worst of times, and inspired me to be working in the industry that I am today."
Mr Clark said: "Youth theatres are the springboard for our entire theatrical and entertainment industries. Ask most actors and creatives what kickstarted their interest in their career and the answer will inevitably be their local youth theatre.
"Some of the regional theatres that run these programmes are being abandoned in the wake of Covid-19.
"This song is about all the little moments that add such value to young people’s lives and consequently to us all from their subsequent careers.
"Theatres like the Hazlitt deserve not only our support but our unending thanks for the work they do."
