Brynaman-based theatre company Mess Up the Mess travelled to London last week to represent Wales in the UK Impetus Awards Showcase.

Organised by the Institute for Global Ethics UK Trust, the showcase gives young people across the UK to explore human rights and the shared ethical values that underpin them.

Mess Up the Mess, which is based at Brynaman Community Centre, was joined by groups and schools from throughout the UK to perform their projects Do you see what I see? and Strangers.

All the projects presented at the showcase were completely youth-led, with the Mess Up the Mess group using their trademark multi-media style, by combining film footage with a live on stage performance.

“Seeing the projects that the younger children and all the other young people had taken part in was really inspiring,” said Mess Up the Mess member Peter Morgan, aged 15, from Gwaun Cae Gerwen.

“They clearly believe in speaking up for human rights across the world. “I was proud to be on stage with all those other groups who were making a real difference in their own communities. “I’m really looking forward to starting new projects to raise awareness of human rights.” Youth arts manager Peri Thomas said: “The Youth-led awards ceremony was an emotional and uplifting experience. “It is wonderful that young people are being recognised for all their hard work in the community as well as on a global scale.”

Mess Up The Mess are now preparing for a local youth led awards ceremony in December to mark the completion of the Strangers project and reunite all the members involved in the process which has been supported by Young Roots Heritage Lottery Fund, Wales. For more information about Mess Up The Mess call Peri on 07966 294 188, e-mail info@messupthemess.co.uk or check out the website www.messupthemess.co.uk