An incredible event fostering creativity and industry connections for young aspiring artists.
The enchanting partnership between P.L. Travers and Cameron Mackintosh have brought the beloved Mary Poppins to Edinburgh’s Capital Theatres this month as part of its UK and Ireland tour. Featuring a practically perfect cast and an exceptional team of performers and technicians, this production has not only united with Capital Theatres to create a truly unforgettable experience for the Edinburgh community, but also bolstered creative confidence and networking in a unique event, Find Your Light.
The third edition of Find Your Light, is a remarkable initiative designed to break down the barriers to entry into the world of professional theatre. Aimed at young, aspiring artists, Find Your Light strives to make commercial theatre more accessible and provide a platform for learning and growth. Previous renditions of the event were partnered with Hamilton and A Chorus Line, both working toward the same goal of making the theatre industry more inclusive and transparent.
The day began with an inspiring Coffee with the Creatives session open to the community, where attendees had the chance to interact with key members of the Mary Poppins production team. This hour-long discussion, facilitated by Creative Engagement Coordinator Izzy Sivewright, offered valuable insights into the inner workings of a large-scale theatre production. With a strong turnout, the session provided networking opportunities, demystified the industry, and highlighted the often-overlooked roles that contribute to a show’s success. Here attendees learned all about the inner working of large theatrical tours from the 550 lighting cues, sixteen quick-changes for Mary Poppin’s hat, seventeen lories and 100 strong company it takes to move from one city to the next.
Sivewright, the driving force behind Capital Theatres’ outreach initiatives, plays a crucial role in ensuring these events run smoothly. Her work, which begins more than a year in advance, is a blend of creative vision and meticulous planning. In an industry where theatres are often forced to do more with fewer resources, young people increasingly face challenges when pursuing a career in professional theatre. Yet, Sivewright remains committed to dismantling these barriers, one initiative at a time.
In between sessions during Find Your Light, Sivewright reflected on the event’s mission. She explained that there was a desire to engage production teams and staff—often the unsung heroes of the show—by creating a structure that allowed them to share their expertise with the public. She also emphasized the importance of showing younger people that there is no single “right” way into theatre, and that professionals come from diverse educational and experiential backgrounds.
Following the Coffee with the Creatives session, participants were treated to a series of workshops led by local artists, each offering hands-on experience in magic, costume design, and dance—three key elements of the Mary Poppins production. The afternoon began with a Magic and Performance workshop, where Tim Lacata dazzled attendees with sleight of hand, card tricks, and stage illusions. Participants were even taught a card trick to practice, ensuring they left with new skills to impress their friends and family.
Next, Janis Hart led a Costume Design workshop, providing an inside look at the creative process behind stage and screen costumes. The group worked together to recreate period costumes using brown paper and tape—resulting in impressively inventive mock-ups. The session concluded with a drawing exercise inspired by 1910s fashion, showcasing the participants’ growing creativity and confidence.
Finally, the day wrapped up with a Dance workshop led by Chris JS Wilson, who guided the group through the iconic choreography from Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious. Wilson’s supportive and encouraging approach made even the most challenging choreography feel achievable. By the end of the session, a group of over fifty attendees had mastered the routine to varying degrees, but all shared the infectious joy of dancing and learning together.
In the midst of these inspiring sessions, I caught up with several facilitators and creatives to ask for their advice to anyone interested in pursuing a life in the theatre. The consensus across departments—Company Management, Stage, Automation, Wardrobe, Lighting and facilitators in magic, costuming and dance—was clear: Do theatre because you love it. You have to love it. Be tenacious. Start small and believe in yourself. The key message from these seasoned professionals was one of passion, perseverance, and self-belief—the very qualities that have sustained their careers and shaped their journeys in the theatre world.
This day of workshops, networking, and inspiration provided an exceptional opportunity to connect with the magic of Mary Poppins, while celebrating creativity, community, and the power of tenacity in the world of theatre.
The future aim of this series is to continue to run three sessions a year with touring companies and artists. Please monitor the Capital Theatre’s website for the most up to date information regarding Find Your Light.