Creative young people have the chance to show off their talents in Stratford this week.

The Young Artists Lab Platform gives them the opportunity to showcase their work to a wider audience at Theatre Royal Stratford East.

The event, which has been running for five years, aims to give youngsters a free space to develop their work and gives them an insight into the world of the arts industry.

The head of young people’s work, at the theatre, Jan Sharkey-Dobbs, explained that it is committed to “helping the younger generation who have a creative talent”.

She said: “When I started the event five years ago, I was very aware that there were young people over the age of 16 or 17, so could no longer attend youth programmes, but who could also not afford to go on placements to develop their work, so we decided to introduce this event to get young people to explore their creativity and showcase their work.”

The programme is open to anyone between the ages of 17 and 24.

This year, seven aspiring playwrights will have their work performed in front of an audience.

“It is really exciting for them and we have a great variety of different stories on the night, so there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Jan said.

Plays will include themes of love, social media and family relations.

One, called Melody and her Many Men, will follow a young woman as she tries to find love.

“Her family’s expectations are quite high which makes it more difficult for her to find love,” Jan explained.

Another will be shown in the format of a cookery show and will create parallels between love and food.

Jan explained: “The play is called Recipes and shows the relationships between food and falling in love – which I think makes a great piece.

“We also have another play focusing on the role that social media plays in everyday life. It shows how technology can really take over, so it relates to current times.

“All the plays are great and I think there is something for everybody.”

Jan said she would encourage young artists to head to the event to get a taste of what the programme is about.

“If there is anyone that thinks they could do something similar, I would urge them to come and see what its about and also get in contact.”

The event takes place tomorrow (Thurs) from 7pm. Visit stratfordeast.com or to book or, if you would like to join the programme, call Jan on 020 8279 1107.