Latest news with #youththeatre
Yahoo
16-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Final tickets on sale for hit musical Les Misérables in Carlisle
The final tickets are sale to see Talented youngsters from across Cumbria perform one of the most beloved musicals in Carlisle. Les Misérables is currently playing to packed houses in London's West End as well on a world tour, but Cumbrian audiences can enjoy the show on their own doorstep when StagedRight Youth Theatre ends their 20th anniversary year with a spectacular production of the show. With The Sands Centre reopening being in doubt, the award-winning group took the decision many months ago to stage the show for a second year at the Garden at Eden Marquee within Eden Golf Club. Director David McNeill said: 'This time last year we couldn't be certain that The Sands Centre would be open again by July and thank goodness we made the decision to book the Garden at Eden. 'Whilst we very much look forward to getting back to The Sands, our audiences and students have embraced the marquee and this year we are building raked seating and literally turning the venue into a 400-seat theatre complete with dressing rooms and full lighting and sound. 'We have even had to build our own stage set to fit the venue and the idea is that audiences feel as if they have stepped into a French Street with Bisto café, wine bar and snacks'. StagedRight has twice previously presented Les Misérables but with the show celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, it was felt to be the 'perfect musical' for audiences and to showcase the talents within StagedRight. The production features a cast of almost 90 young people with a live 16-piece professional orchestra to accompany the actors as they sing the world-famous score including One Day More, On My Own and I Dreamed a Dream. David continued 'If you loved the film or have never seen the show before, this is an experience you will never forget. 'Les Misérables has a real heart and touches everyone who sees it'. Last year's production of Barnum won the highest accolade in amateur theatre being awarded Best Musical Production in the UK by the President of the National Operatic and Dramatic Association. READ MORE: Carlisle: Road in Carleton to be closed for tree removal | News and Star StagedRight invests more than £50,000 to stage a weekend of 5 performances and relies on ticket sales, sponsorship and fundraising to break even. David said: 'We need your support.' The production takes place from Friday, July 18 until Sunday, July 20 with matinee and evening performances. To book visit or telephone 0333 666 3366.
Yahoo
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
West End performance 'unforgettable' for youth theatre group
A youth theatre group from west Belfast that performed on stage at the National Theatre in London has said it was an "unforgettable experience". Brassneck Youth Theatre company were picked out of 270 groups and more than 5,000 young people across the UK to take part in the summer National Theatre Festival in London. Alison McCrudden, director of Brassneck Youth, said it was a "life-shaping experience" for the children. "These young artists grew in confidence in front of our eyes, found their voice, gained new skills, met new people, and walked away changed for the better," she said. Brassneck Theatre works with almost 150 children and young people, with 23 getting the chance to perform in London in front of an audience. The Belfast group performed the play Normalised by local playwright Amanda Verlaque. The programme has helped shape the early paths of many actors, including Keira Knightley, David Oyelowo, and Callum Scott Howells. Mary-Kate, 13, said it was a really special and exciting experience. "A lot of the time working-class people don't get a lot of representation in the industry and on screen, and when we do, it's not very positive, so this was really special to have 20 people from working-class backgrounds on a stage in a world-class theatre," Mary-Kate said. Ms McCrudden said access to the arts is essential for these types of communities. "In the creative industries we have a lack of opportunities for working-class artists," she said. "Within the TV and film industry it's around 12% for people from working-class backgrounds. "All of these kids are working class, and here they are, on the Dorfman stage, on one of the best, most incredible stages in the world. "It's a world-class theatre, and they represented Belfast, represented west Belfast, and represented working-class artists." "It was very exciting and a massive opportunity," said 18-year-old Fionn. "It put me in the limelight. "There were casting directors there and we were all be performing in front of them, it was an incredible experience for us all." Kirsten Adam, head of young people programmes at the National Theatre, said: "It was wonderful to welcome ten youth groups from all corners of the UK to the NT for this landmark anniversary festival of connections." She said she believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power of theatre-making. "Seeing Brassneck Youth and their fellow youth groups share their extraordinary energy and creative vision was a testament to the impact of youth theatre." Ms McCrudden said it is essential groups like Brassneck Youth Theatre are funded properly. She said at least 50% more funding is required to continue making these opportunities for young people. "The arts are not just about the Ulster Orchestra or the Grand Opera House, we are on the ground, we are changing children's lives, we are promoting positive mental and physical health. "We are increasing literacy skills, we're contributing to the economy - fund us".
BBC News
02-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
West End performance 'unforgettable' for Belfast youth theatre group
A youth theatre group from west Belfast that performed on stage at the National Theatre in London has said it was an "unforgettable experience".Brassneck Youth Theatre company were picked out of 270 groups and more than 5,000 young people across the UK to take part in the summer National Theatre Festival in McCrudden, director of Brassneck Youth, said it was a "life-shaping experience" for the children."These young artists grew in confidence in front of our eyes, found their voice, gained new skills, met new people, and walked away changed for the better," she said. Brassneck Theatre works with almost 150 children and young people, with 23 getting the chance to perform in London in front of an Belfast group performed the play Normalised by local playwright Amanda programme has helped shape the early paths of many actors, including Keira Knightley, David Oyelowo, and Callum Scott Howells. Mary-Kate, 13, said it was a really special and exciting experience. "A lot of the time working-class people don't get a lot of representation in the industry and on screen, and when we do, it's not very positive, so this was really special to have 20 people from working-class backgrounds on a stage in a world-class theatre," Mary-Kate McCrudden said access to the arts is essential for these types of communities."In the creative industries we have a lack of opportunities for working-class artists," she said."Within the TV and film industry it's around 12% for people from working-class backgrounds. "All of these kids are working class, and here they are, on the Dorfman stage, on one of the best, most incredible stages in the world."It's a world-class theatre, and they represented Belfast, represented west Belfast, and represented working-class artists." "It was very exciting and a massive opportunity," said 18-year-old Fionn. "It put me in the limelight."There were casting directors there and we were all be performing in front of them, it was an incredible experience for us all." Kirsten Adam, head of young people programmes at the National Theatre, said: "It was wonderful to welcome ten youth groups from all corners of the UK to the NT for this landmark anniversary festival of connections."She said she believes that everyone should have the opportunity to experience the power of theatre-making. "Seeing Brassneck Youth and their fellow youth groups share their extraordinary energy and creative vision was a testament to the impact of youth theatre." Ms McCrudden said it is essential groups like Brassneck Youth Theatre are funded said at least 50% more funding is required to continue making these opportunities for young people. "The arts are not just about the Ulster Orchestra or the Grand Opera House, we are on the ground, we are changing children's lives, we are promoting positive mental and physical health. "We are increasing literacy skills, we're contributing to the economy - fund us".
The Guardian
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- The Guardian
Diana Edwardes obituary
My mother, Diana Edwardes, who has died aged 98, was the founder and director of the West Kent Youth Theatre, and taught English for many years at Tunbridge Wells girls' grammar school. She had started out on the London stage in the years after the second world war, having trained at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts in New York, but working in the theatre became more challenging after she moved with her husband to Tonbridge in Kent. There she became involved in various amateur companies as well as directing two seasons for the professional Penguin Players in Tunbridge Wells. After running a series of workshops for young people, and following an encounter with the National Youth Theatre founder Michael Croft, Diana set up the West Kent Youth Theatre in 1965, providing opportunities for local teenagers, with a wide-ranging choice of plays, including The Fair Maid of the West, The Caucasian Chalk Circle and Arc, for which she co-wrote the book and lyrics. The company toured local schools and theatres and won invitations to play in London, at the Minack theatre in Cornwall, and in Belgium, the Netherlands and the US. Diana's determination and energy kept it going for over 25 years. She was appointed MBE in 1983. Having trained as a teacher as a mature student, from 1973 to 1991 Diana taught English at Tunbridge Wells girls' grammar, becoming head of department. She co-wrote a volume in a series of drama education books called Ideas in Action. She also qualified as an adjudicator and judged drama festivals. In the 1990s, she turned her attention to writing and directing community theatre, the climax of which was Celebration (1993), telling the story of Sevenoaks and the surrounding villages, and performed outside in Knole Park with a cast of 599 actors, 11 horses, two dogs, and over 100 technicians. Thousands turned out to see the show over three balmy evenings. Diana was born in Cape Town, South Africa, the only daughter of Gladys (nee Borthwick), a university biology lecturer, and Frederick A Rimer, an accountant. She was seven years old when her parents divorced, and she never saw her mother again. After Herschel girls' school, Diana started studying for an English degree at the University of Cape Town before crossing the Atlantic by boat during the war to Argentina at 17, from where she flew to New York to take up her place at drama school. On graduating, she was cast in a Broadway play only to discover that her student visa prevented her from performing professionally. Instead, she moved to London, where she sang at the Players' theatre and joined the original Young Vic company under George Devine, Glen Byam Shaw and Michel Saint-Denis. Saint-Denis picked her out as a potential director and took her under his wing. Shortly afterwards, she met Paul Edwardes, an industrial engineer and fellow South African, who had been awarded the MC during the war, and they married in 1948, moving to Kent in 1952. In her 80s, Diana began creating shows for community centres and old peoples' homes. A Pocketful of Hops, based on the experiences of East Enders who came to Kent to pick hops, was a favourite. Paul died in 1987. Diana is survived by her children, Simon, Pamela and me, her three grandchildren, Joe, Paul and Esther, and three great-grandchildren.
