Actor Michael Sheen has declared a cause to build a new youth theatre in Oldham a "fantastic" project and has urged people to support it.

Last week, it was announced that theatrical organisation Wild Things Performing Arts CIC had joined forces with charity Positive Steps to deliver a new youth theatre for young carers in the borough.

A crowdfunding appeal has been set up and now Sheen has announced his support for the idea on social media.

Sheen, 52, said on Twitter: "Young carers deserve everything but too often miss out on so much.

"This fantastic project aims to create a Youth Theatre for Young Carers in Oldham so they can just be kids and creative and have fun for a while."

Sheen then posted a link to the crowdfunding appeal, which as of Wednesday, October 13 has raised just over 25% of the £15,000 target.

Sheen has starred in films such as The Queen, Frost/Nixon and The Damned United and in a recent poll by RadioTimes.com was determined to be the most popular choice to be the next Doctor Who, with 20% of the 100,000 polled choosing the Welshman.

 

The youth theatre will provide acting, singing and dance lessons as well as giving young participants the opportunity to perform in community shows, parades and carnivals.

There are more than 150 children from the age of eight who are identified as young carers in Oldham.

Julie Brewis, Youth worker on Positive Steps' young carers team, said: "Because of their caring responsibilities, young carers are sometimes not as confident.

"It can have a big impact on them socially.

"I think Wild Things will help them to be more confident, encourage them to be more open and build self esteem."

For more information visit https://www.crowdfunder.co.uk/youth-theatre-for-young-carers-in-oldham.

To read more about the youth theatre, click here.