A project led by young people in London to shed light on the history of a theatre has received a grant worth tens of thousands of pounds.

The Stages of Half Moon project sees 100 16-25-year-olds highlight the history of the Half Moon theatre.

Now, they have been given £46,000 by the Heritage Lottery Fund in support of the project.

Chris Elwell, the director of Half Moon, said: “The support of the Heritage Lottery Fund is an essential part of the project as it allows us to provide public access to the theatre’s records for the first time through widespread research, archiving, digitisation, a dedicated website and a touring exhibition.

“Incredibly, there is remarkably little archive, especially from the early years, that exists – we hope to uncover, collate and publish for the first time long forgotten pictures, artefacts and stories.”

Former artistic director Guy Sprung, Michael Irving, Robert Walker and Chris Bond have all agreed to record their memories for the project.

As well as that, famous alumni including Steven Berkoff and Simon Callow are also contributing.

Stuart Hobley, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund London, said: “Half Moon is well known in the East End since the 70s and now, thanks to National Lottery players we can support this project that means a new generation will be able to discover for themselves the innovation that characterised the theatre during its heyday.

“Digging into local archives, the young people will gain skills as they create a record of that period and have the chance to sharpen their own acting abilities!”

They are now looking for any further contributions from people around the area who may have memories of the Half Moon.

The theatre was founded in 1972 in a disused synagogue in Aldgate, and has been in use since then.

The Stages of Half Moon Project are looking for more memories and contributions. For more information, click here.

Image: Half Moon Theatre