Youth leader steps down after 17 years at Progress Theatre

Ali Carroll(pictured right) has developed the youth programme at Progress Theatre. Credit: Aidan Moran

A dedicated volunteer who has played a key part in getting youth productions to the stage in Reading has stepped down.

Ali Carroll has been Youth Leader at Progress Theatre for 17 years but is taking a step back from the role to focus on other theatre pursuits, including her own acting career.

Over the years she has worked with hundreds of aspiring actors at the theatre in The Mount in Reading, Berkshire.

She has also worked beside her mother Liz Carroll to develop the theatre's youth groups.

Young actors bid a tearful farewell to Ali on Saturday, March 17.

Ali's leaving card was full of heartfelt messages including one from former student Maddie Flemming who said: "The atmosphere of Progress is unique and beautiful, and for me it provided such an important space free from judgment and exclusivity.

"Thank you for creating the wonder that is Progress Theatre."

As Ali says goodbye to Progress, two of her former students, Rachel Taylor and Rhys Lawton, will continue her work running the youth programme for children aged between eight and 17 years old.

Ali Carroll will no longer be the youth leader at Progress Theatre. Credit: Richard McKenzie at DigitalMcK

Progress is a community theatre group that has been running for more than 70 years, boasting Kenneth Brannagh among its successful alumni.

It is kept going by volunteers.