AN urgent appeal has been launched by Porlock-based performance arts group Stacked Wonky to help it put some of its young performers on the Sadler’s Wells main stage, in London.

A group of 14 Stacked Wonky dancers aged 11 to 18 years has been selected to perform on July 9 under director Benjamin Johnson, aged 18, who created their performance ‘You Don’t Know Either’.

It is part of Making Moves, a new Sadler’s Wells choreography and performance project partnering school and youth dance companies from across England with international choreographers to make new work.

Some of Porlock's Stacked Wonky dancers selected to perform at Sadler's Wells, London.
Some of Porlock's Stacked Wonky dancers selected to perform at Sadler's Wells, London. PHOTO: Len Copland. ( )

Porlock’s youngsters are one of only nine groups to be selected nationally but it will cost £5,000 to take the youngsters to London, money which they will need to raise by July 4.

A spokesperson said: “It is a massive achievement, firmly putting Porlock and West Somerset on the national dance map.”

As a small arts charity, the organisation does not have reserves to cover the cost of the three-day trip for technical rehearsals, workshops, and the performance.

So, it has launched its first crowdfunding campaign via GoFundMe asking supporters for help with what was said to be ‘a life-changing opportunity for the group’s 14 performers and two emerging lighting and costume designers’.

It will expand career horizons, nurture confidence, and build connections with performers from across England.

A panel of Sadler’s Wells experts said of Benjamin’s work: “This was a brave, raw, and mature piece of choreography that the whole panel loved.

Young Stacked Wonky director Benjamin Johnson, whose work ‘You Don’t Know Either’ will be performed at London's Sadler's Wells.
Young Stacked Wonky director Benjamin Johnson, whose work ‘You Don’t Know Either’ will be performed at London's Sadler's Wells. PHOTO: Len Copland. ( )

“It felt like a beautiful collective while highlighting each dancer’s individuality.

“It contained brilliant experimentation throughout that was courageous and well executed.”

Benjamin, the only director under 20 years old creating work in the Making Moves project, said: “It has honestly been amazing.

“I have gained a massive amount of confidence.

“When I first started directing, I needed a lot of help but, as the project went on, I found my vision getting clearer in what I wanted from the group and the performance.

“My group has also been an absolute joy to work with.

“When they did their first performance, the amount of pride, energy, and excitement I had at the end was immeasurable.”

Stacked Wonky artistic director Sarah Shorten said: “When I first read about the project, I felt it was important to ask Sadler’s to include a young director.

“Fortunately, they changed the age rules and Benjamin was accepted to work with renowned choreographer Oona Doherty.

“He is bringing a unique work to audiences, one which stands for the power of young talent.”

For the past 10 years, Stacked Wonky has built its reputation on a desire to make work in compelling West Somerset locations for audiences unfamiliar with site-specific performance.

Artistic support for ‘You Don’t Know Either’ comes from Ms Shorten, with live music and sound design by Sebastian Tesouro and Drew Walker, and lighting and costume design by Angie Newbold, supported by Arthur Puttock and Isaac Lammiman.

Anybody who wants to help with the appeal can find it online here.