HIDDEN GIANTS is a new outreach project created to coincide with our new theatre production Would You Bet Against Us? celebrating the 40th anniversary of Aston Villa's mighty European Cup triumph and the highs and lows of being a football fan.

HIDDEN GIANTS will give 15 young people (aged 13-17) from vulnerable areas around Villa Park the chance to work with the amazing Hip Hop / theatre artist Jamaal O'Driscoll, along with us, Told by an Idiot, to develop their creative skills, and confidence, through performance and hip-hop workshops, ultimately creating work they will perform LIVE ON STAGE at the Birmingham Rep Theatre before our professional show.

The theme of what it means to be an underdog (like Villa back in 1982) is both universal and personal and will be the subject of the HIDDEN GIANTS creative workshops which will run over a 3 week period and include the chance to watch our show in rehearsal and see a preview.

Feedback from a taster session of this project includes:

"It was great fun to do. I enjoyed learning breakdance moves" (participant of taster workshop).

"It was great seeing their willingness to participate. It's important because some of them may never have experienced this type of activity before" (Aston Villa youth worker).

The Aston Villa Foundation is a partner on this project.

"The majority of young people involved are from low income families, therefore, to have access to any sort of provision in their communities can be difficult. Bringing activities to them for free helps remove accessibility barriers and will bring about an enlightening and worthwhile experience for all" (Aston Villa Foundation).

Please help us make this project a reality.

We need to raise £6,000 by the end of April to deliver the best possible experience.

A word from our Artistic Director - Paul Hunter: "I am a born and bred Brummie and have been watching the Villa play for forty-eight years. I, like you, have followed the team through many highs and lows. Perhaps the greatest high was our momentous European Cup victory in 1982, 40 years ago. Our show, 'Would You Bet Against Us?', will be a tribute to the club and all the fans who have followed the Villa over the years. I hope you are able to help us with our project for young people that will run alongside it. Thank you for taking the time to read this. Best wishes and up the Villa!"

Dennis Mortimer holding the European Cup 1982. Image supplied by AV40.