SCAN: Cabaret - Young People "Escape2Make" Themselves Heard

SCAN: Cabaret – Young People “Escape2Make” Themselves Heard

On Sunday 22nd February, Escape2Make (E2M) transformed Morecambe’s refurbished events venue, The Platform, into a vibrant cabaret and creative escape for Lancaster and Morecambe’s youth.

What is Escape2Make?

In a region that lacks spaces for young people, E2M is a charity that breaks down boredom and loneliness and builds community and creativity for youths aged 11-18.

They have grown rapidly from 2018, thanks to ‘local businesses, artists and professionals,’ and, of course, Lancaster and Morecambe’s young people. All sessions are free to attend and open to all teenagers in the area.

In February 2025, E2M converted an old estate agent building into their permanent centre. It has become a home for their offices and a meeting place for the Youth Board. The Youth Board are a group of teenagers selected to adopt leadership roles and make important decisions about future workshops and activities.

E2M is unique from other youth charities, because all activities are “chosen by the young people.” Kriss, the Centre Manager, reflected on the rewarding nature of the charity: “[The kids] see the output straight away. They reap the reward very quickly.”

A member of the Youth Board highlighted a vital feature of charities created to support today’s teenagers: “You hear a lot of people talking about how young people are on their phones all the time…it’s because we don’t have anywhere to go.”

It is true – where are the youth centres? Where are the safe spaces for our young people, when even a walk in the park seems far from accessible, especially in the winter months?

Why Cabaret?

Over February half-term, E2M ran a series of creative workshops collaborating with local artists with a Cabaret to conclude. These included livestreaming, baking, an Alter Ego performance, magic, stand-up comedy and many more. Previous events include the Green Festival created to educate about eco-friendly habits, and the Heritage Market Festival, which will be back this summer, incorporating a plethora of local history.

As summarised by Jas, an artist invited to run a creative workshop, it’s all about “speaking to the audience and telling them a story, as if you’re telling a story to a friend.” Upon entry, one truly does become a friend. I was gifted with the opportunity of observing the event come to life throughout the day from behind the scenes: everything from costume prep to music practice, to rehearsals and flying magic tricks. Most importantly, I observed friendship, connection and dedication from both children and staff.

Between the colourful costumes, decorations and incredibly energetic and passionate atmosphere, these young people and the incredibly enthusiastic staff became a mirror. I saw a younger version of myself who ached for a space like this at their age. This notion appeared often in conversation with the staff involved: Lucy, a Workshop Facilitator, stressed the importance of volunteering; not only does it ‘give you a sense of purpose’ but it means as adults, we ‘get to try cool stuff too’ and ‘be a big kid!’

How can I support Escape2Make?

Ultimately, children teach adults to slow down and question our interaction with the world. When do we disconnect from our creativity? At what age is it seemingly inevitable that we lose access to an integral and vital part of ourselves?

Kyle, the CEO of E2M, began his journey at the charity through the ongoing Lancaster University ‘FHASS Exclusive Internship,’ which is paid and enables access to professional opportunities and meaningful experiences. Students, email r.beauchamp@lancaster.ac.uk for details!

Kyle stated that ‘for some young people, if they’re not given the chance to platform that creative energy, they’ll end up losing it’ – I discovered that the children’s creativity was not only an expression of their passions and imagination, but a moving and vital response to external pressures and perceptions:

‘People aren’t aware of how young people are living…it’s completely different. In the news you rarely hear anything positive…with E2M, it’s a place to finally feel good,’ another Youth Board member spoke out.

It’s not about all these kids on their phones, as we may argue. It is about our community. It starts with us, in our towns, in our cities, in our parks. We should all be asking ourselves these questions, no matter how large or little the generation gap.

These young people, when speaking out about their experience, sparkled as brightly as their costumes and the transformed venue. Their voices echoed not only due to the size of the refurbished train station, but because of their bravery and commitment to the arts and their own wellbeing. This cabaret highlighted a desire to be heard not only by microphones but by the wider community, including you and me.

‘Just because there are some people that do bring a negative name, not all of us are like that. A lot of us are creative, we’re kind, we’re compassionate.’

This was not just a singular interview, all the young people I spoke to shed light on what it truly means to be a teenager today. We forget as soon as the shadow of university, careers, and figuring out our 20s knocks on our doors and blows out the birthday candles, replacing a ‘1’ with a ‘2’ and above. Teenagers are not being listened to.

A lot of us know what it is like to be ignored because of your youth, looked down upon for knowing too little about life. Could it be argued – that is the whole point? What can we learn from those younger than us? We are so often told to learn from our elders, those wiser than us, and that is perfectly advisable.

I argue us adults are too wrapped up in formalities and taxes to realise there is a whole other generation still treading their paths and making their marks. They deserve our guidance, like stars in the desert that is adolescence. In the words of Lucy, “kids have so many layers of lived experience that shape who they are and how they present.” We should be asking ourselves “what are we doing as people? Are we giving them somewhere to go? Are we giving them agency? Are we giving them choices?”

Lucy summarised what E2M is all about perfectly – “If you give them a chance…some ownership…some praise…they flourish, they absolutely flourish.”

Ultimately, the glitter and talent extend further than the Morecambe shores and further than a singular article. So can you – get involved and make a difference to our community! Together, we can build the platform for youngsters to thrive on.

With our help, teenagers won’t need to escape to their rooms. Instead, they will find an Escape2Make themselves heard.

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Congratulations are in order for E2M’s acquisition of the King’s Award for Voluntary Service, presented to the organisation by Brigadier Peter Rafferty who stated it was ‘particularly fitting to present this prestigious award from His Majesty the King at an event so full of joy, artistic creativity and passion of young people.’

Credit is due for the artists, all E2M staff, and the young people involved.

Get Involved

Whether you’re a young person looking to join in, someone interested in volunteering, or a supporter wanting to contribute, the team at E2M would love to hear from you!

Visit www.escape2make.org or email info@escape2make.org to find out more.

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Article written by Julia Kacala from SCAN (https://scanlancaster.co.uk/)