Scottish Labour Leader, Richard Leonard MSP, has said ‘The Toon’ interactive drama production shows young people at their best after taking a tour on Monday (25 June).

Richard Leonard MSP took part in a pre-view showing of ‘The Toon’ at Park Farm, which will again feature at the 10^th Youth Beatz festival this weekend.

‘The Toon’ is an interactive drama performance created by young people to teach others about issues they may be facing or may face in the future such as bullying, drugs and suicide. The issues are portrayed in a hard hitting and shocking way which is designed to make attendees to reflect on their own behaviour and thoughts.

Scottish Labour Leader Richard Leonard MSP said, “I have never experienced anything quite like the Toon. This interactive drama performance is both innovative and creative and shows our young people at their best.

Young People are Scotland’s future which is why it is essential to make sure we help equip them to take advantage of the opportunities but also meet the challenges they face.

Scotland’s Year of Young People was launched in Dumfries and Galloway and you can see why. Thanks to the work of local young people and the council’s Youth Work services, the region is an example to the rest of Scotland with innovative events such as Youthbeatz.

South Scotland Labour MSP Colin Smyth said, “Well done to all of the young people and youth work staff who have put in hours of hard work to make ‘The Toon’. Their hard work has paid off and will be a real highlight of this weekend’s Youthbeatz.”

Councillor Adam Wilson, Dumfries and Galloway Council’s Young Peoples Champion said, “I’m really proud that the Toon, and the young people behind it, is receiving so much national recognition. It doesn’t shy away from portraying issues in a hard hitting and shocking way, really engaging the young people involved”.