Happy Valley star backs creative careers programme

A new programme for teenagers at the Stephen Joseph Theatre has been supported by James Norton

Actor James Norton, who starred in BBC crime drama Happy Valley, has given his support to a new creative careers programme for young people in Scarborough.

Norton, who grew up in nearby Malton, praised the Propel scheme offered by the town's Stephen Joseph Theatre (SJT).

The theatre said the scheme would give teenagers "a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of creative careers that can be found at the theatre".

The actor, who did work experience at the SJT when he was 15 and is now a patron of the theatre, said: "I am thrilled to be supporting Propel and look forward to seeing the next generation of talent Scarborough has to offer."

Norton, who played psychopath Tommy Lee Royce in Happy Valley, which was set and filmed in the Calder Valley, said he had seen "how passionate the team was" at the SJT during his work experience.

"It has always ensured that local young people have access to creative opportunities."

The programme is open to applications from children who are between 15 and 17 years old

The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the free programme, which has also received backing from the town's MP, is scheduled to run between January and July 2026 and would offer teenagers the chance to gain industry experience across all theatre departments.

Alison Hume, MP for Scarborough and Whitby, who is a former screenwriter and producer, said: "I know how rewarding careers in the creative industries can be and have never ceased to be amazed by the talent in this sector within our community."

Ms Hume said she believed the initiative would "provide some of the brilliant young people in our area with access to the creative industries and help them fulfil their creative potential".

Norton previously said the SJT had kickstarted his love of theatre and described it as "a beacon of excellence in my home county".

Young people between the ages of 15 and 17, who are interested in the scheme, have been advised to apply via the theatre's website by 31 December.

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