Youth Theatre

Reading

Masquerade Youth Theatre (not on this page)
Progress Theatre student group and youth group (not on this page)
Starmaker
Woodley Theatre youth group (not on this page)

Basingstoke Youth Theatre (Haymarket)

For young people aged 14-19 in Hampshire, meeting on Thursday evenings. Entry is by audition only. For information on joining and attending Youth Theatre Productions please contact the Haymarket on 01256 355844.

Central Studio Youth Theatre (Basingstoke)

There are junior youth theatre groups for two age ranges - 8 to 11 and 12 to 15. The Bite Size group is for the 8 to 11 year olds and meets from 5:30 to 7:00 on Tuesdays. The older groups are for 12 to 15 years and run from 6:30 to 8:00 on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

The senior group is a project-based group that works through an intensive rehearsal period to produce musicals and plays. This group is aimed at 16 years +.

For more information, phone Central Studio on 01256 417511.

Newbury YoungStars

Next production

Alice in Wonderland, 15th March, 19:30 and 15:30 on Saturday
Join Alice’s madcap adventures in Wonderland as she chases the White Rabbit, races the Dodo Bird, gets tied up with the Tweedles, raps with the Caterpillar, and beats the Queen of Hearts at her own game! This fast-paced stage adaptation of Alice in Wonderland features the classic Disney songs as I’m Late, The Un-birthday Song and Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah.

Where

Arlington Arts Centre.

Box Office

01635 244246.

Last production

Oklahoma!, 17th to 19th March 2011
Set in a Western Indian Territory just after the turn of the century, the high-spirited rivalry between the local farmers and cowboys provides the colourful background against which Curly, a handsome cowboy, and Laurey, a winsome farm girl, play out their love story. Although the road to true love never runs smooth, with these headstrong romantics holding the reins, love's journey is as bumpy as a surrey ride down a country road. That they will succeed in making a new life together we have no doubt, and that this new life will begin in a brand-new state provides the ultimate climax to the triumphant Oklahoma.

Review of Oklahoma!

17th to 19th March 2011.

Review from the Newbury Weekly News.

All the zest in the West

YoungStars relish the action in iconic musical Oklahoma!

Newbury YoungStars: Oklahoma!, at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, from Thursday, March 17 to Saturday, March 19

Newbury YoungStars have a fine reputation of performing some of the most iconic musicals, including last year's Annie, and have continued their success with a vibrant polished Oklahoma! that was specifically adapted for young people to perform.

The talented and enthusiastic youngsters relished the action, set in the western indian territory at the turn of the last century, with a backdrop of cornfields and a blue sky and a rocking chair on the stoop of the farmhouse.

It is a story of the rivalry between the cowboys and farmers, and the blossoming romance between Curly and his beau Laurey.

James Morris gave a splendid performance as Curly, opening the show with a strong rendition of Oh What a Beautiful Mornin', followed by a catchy version of The Surrey with the Fringe on the Top, beautifully sung by Noella Doran as Laurey. These are certainly two youngsters who are stars in the making. Their duet, People Will Say We're In Love was delightful.

However, Curly has a rival in the menacing farmhand Judd (Dimitri Rogers), who also wants to court Laurey and take her to the social.

Sarah Frost had an impressive stage presence as the wise Aunt Eller, determined to get her revenge on the pedlar (Thomas Spillane) for selling her a faulty eggbeater.

Carly Mcintosh brought some mischievous fun to her role as Ado Annie the girl who "can't say no" and Will Parker (George Stacey) gave a rousing performance of Kansas City, with some slick dancing from the large chorus choreographed by Jacqui Trumper.

All the actors maintained their American accents, which was quite an achievement, and performed with tremendous confidence and brio.

Musical direction was in the capable hands of Michael Evans, with lighting by Vicki Allen and superbly balanced sound. Director Mike Scott-Cound should be very proud of this lively production.

The final number, Oklahoma!, was filled with energy and zest so... "Oklahoma Oh Kay" - I should say so.

Yee ha.

ROBIN STRAPP

Previous productions

Annie Junior, 4th to 6th March 2010. See the review in the Archive.
A Load of Rubbish, 23rd to 25th July 2009. See the review in the Archive.
Tin Pan Ali, 1st to 2nd August 2008. See the review in the Archive.
Return to the Forbidden Planet, 26th to 28th July 2007. See the review in the Archive.
A Medley of Modern Musicals, 26th to 27th January 2007
The Dracula Spectacula, 3rd to 5th August 2006 - see the review in the Archive.
10th Anniversary Concert, 13th to 14th January 2006
Summer Holiday, 28th to 30th July 2005
The Vackees, 22nd to 24th July 2004 - see the review in the Archive.
Bugsy Malone, 24th to 26th July 2003 - see the review in the Archive.
Smike, 25th to 27th July 2002 - see the review in the Archive.
Christmas show 2001 - see the review here.
Return to the Forbidden Planet, 26th to 28th July 2001.

Who

Newbury YoungStars is the youth section of Newbury Operatic Society. YoungStars rehearse on Monday evenings during term time between 7pm and 9pm. Contact Chairman Sarah Scott-Cound on 01635 841216 or 07771 522375 or email .

Newbury Youth Theatre

Last production

The Portrait, 30th July 2011
A vibrant new ensemble adaptation of Gogol’s The Portrait. Chartkov was once the toast of St Petersburg, painting only those of highest Russian society. However he dies in obscurity without a Kopek to his name. Is there a connection between his downfall and a portrait of the mysterious moneylender of Kolomna? See the review below.

Where

Corn Exchange, Newbury.

Box Office

01635 522733.

Previous productions

From Newbury With Love, 9th to 12th March 2011
Newbury Youth Theatre are taking part in the premiere of this play presented by RedCape Theatre.

Cautionary Tales, 31st July 2010
NYT present their interpretation of Hilaire Belloc's Cautionary Tales for Children. Featuring the story of Jim, who ran away from his nurse and was eaten by a lion; Matilda, who told lies and was burned to death; and the rest of the classic collection. The group will also create some contemporary tales of their own. See the review in the Archive.

The Lost Letters of Mr Corrigan, 1st August 2009, then at the Edinburgh Fringe, and back in Newbury on 18th December
A lonely clerk sits at his desk, surrounded by towering piles of the letters and parcels that never arrived. Through him each sender’s hopes and wishes find life and, just occasionally, their intended recipient. Newbury Youth Theatre return with a newly devised production, incorporating their critically acclaimed ensemble storytelling with live music, dark comedy and physical theatre. Now back in Newbury with a special one-off performance, based on the original but with all new, stories inspired by Christmas.
The Lost Letters of Mr Corrigan at the Edinburgh Fringe has won an Editors' Award from the ThreeWeeks review web site. The commendation includes: "We've noticed in recent years that the output of our second winners, Newbury Youth Theatre, has been of a particularly high quality, not least with this year's 5/5 show The Lost Letters Of Mr Corrigan. To be able to achieve such quality with each new generation of young people is particularly noteworthy, and makes Newbury Youth Theatre a definite winner of one of our ThreeWeeks Editors' Awards."

The Wind Tamer, 26th July 2008
Newbury Youth Theatre (NYT), the Corn Exchange's resident youth theatre, is fast becoming recognized as one of the UK's leading young companies. Having garnered four and five star reviews in the national press and much critical acclaim locally over the last 22 years, they return with a preview of their latest production, before returning to the Edinburgh Festival. See the review in the Archive.

Just So, 21st July 2007
Our own adaptation of Rudyard Kipling's enchanting tales, including How the Camel Got His Hump, The Elephant's Child and many more. Having performed "youth theatre at its best" (edinburghguide.com) for over 21 years, this is the preview performance of the senior group's annual production, which also appeared at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. See the review in the Archive.

Hope Springs, 17th July 2006
Behind the gloss of TV's Brat Camp lies a startling reality; young people are incarcerated in private centres, sanctioned by their parents, for "treatment." Rebellion is inevitable... Following their sell out success at last year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival, NYT return with this brutal portrayal of teenage vengeance. See the review in the Archive.

Pieces of Us, 21st May 2006
See the review in the Archive.

Skellig, 23rd July 2005
Michael was looking forward to moving house. It was all going to be wonderful. But now his baby sister's ill, his parents are frantic and Doctor Death has come to call. Michael feels helpless. Then he steps into a crumbling garage. What is this thing beneath the spider's webs and dead flies? A human being, or a strange kind of beast never seen before? The only person Michael can confide in is Mina. Together, they carry the creature out into the light and Michael's world changes for ever. The West End smash hit based on David Almond's Whitbread Award winning children's book. See the review below. See the review in the Archive.

Rainbow's Ending, 19th July 2004
The story of two insatiable giants whom rest after devouring the worlds resources. Over the centuries fear turns into faith for the surviving humans living on the bones left by their devastation. But right now the giants are stirring... See the review in the Archive.

The Control Experiment, 25th to 26th July 2003
Imagine living in a kaleidoscope where sounds, images and thoughts are constantly shifting, where you're given drugs similar to cocaine to control your behaviour, but not to cure. Such is the world of children suffering from Attention Deficiency Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD).

Robbie Williams... Who's He? 2nd to 3rd August 2002
Jennifer Grumblemuch doesn't ask for a lot out of life, and no one would notice if she did. So when she wins the Pop Babe UK competition, she seizes the chance to escape her miserable, suburban life. However a sinister plot behind the Pop Babe phenomenon forces her to choose between fame and family. See the review in the Archive.

Dear Kitty, 26th to 27th July 2001.
An adaptation of the diary of Anne Frank. With specially written music and lyrics, it is about the courage and stamina of the Jewish people hidden in the attic in Amsterdam, and the people hiding them. After the Corn Exchange production, we took it to the Edinburgh Fringe from the 12th to the 19th August. See the reviews in the Archive.

About us

At the Corn Exchange, NYT has two groups, for 9-14 and 14-20 year olds. For more information, call Robin Strapp at the Corn Exchange on 01635 582666 or visit our web site at www.newburyyouththeatre.co.uk.

Newbury Youth Theatre was founded in December 1983 and aims to provide local young people the opportunity to develop their theatrical skills and interests and explore the arts in general and learn more about themselves. There are no auditions or restrictions on membership apart from a commitment from the members to support the group, have energy, enthusiasm and a love of theatre. Above all it's fun!

Review of The Portrait

30th July 2011.

Review from the Newbury Weekly News.

Devilishly delightful

Wicked with thrills and spills, this production should wow in Edinburgh

Newbury Youth Theatre: The Portrait, at the Corn Exchange, on Saturday, July 30

Having built up a reputation at the Edinburgh Fringe over the past 15 years as a force to be reckoned through their powerful ensemble productions, Newbury Youth Theatre will be returning to Scotland on Monday with another vibrant performance, this time based on a short story by 19th-century Russian author Nikolai Gogol.

Adapted and directed by Amy and Tony Trigwell-Jones and devised by the company, The Portrait was a story fizzing with thrills, shocks and humour, as a crowd gathered at an auction house to observe the sale of an infamous portrait, said to bring doom to its owners "as the devil changes hands".

Using the bric-a-brac surrounding them, the crowd told the history of the portrait, and its subject, a mysterious moneylender whose loans similarly led to disaster for those obliged to borrow from him.

With the ensemble cast of 17 made up with ghostly faces in varying shades of pale, this was a spooky tale, but one shot through with a strong sense of humour and a big dose of jollity, as portraits came to life, ghosts wafted into dreams and ghastly deaths were re-created through physical theatre, slapstick, clowning, shadowplay and puppetry

An ingeniously designed set filled with picture frames, atmospheric music played on broken instruments (and beautifully-tuned water-filled jam jars) and folk-style songs and costumes reflecting the Russian setting, added further strength to a performance full of impact and, most important, fabulously entertaining.

In the telling of a morality tale warning of the dangers of creating art for gain and glory rather than for its own sake, the wholehearted investment of the entire Newbury Youth Theatre company into the production was clear.

The result was a devilish delight of dark pleasures, which deserves to wow once again in Edinburgh.

CATRIONA REEVES

SLY Theatre

Last production

Kes, 28th to 29th June 2011 at New Greenham Arts
The well-loved story of a troubled schoolboy living in a poor mining village near Barnsley who finds comfort in tending a kestrel hawk named Kes. Adapted for the stage from Barry Hines’ novel A Kestrel For A Knave, which was made famous by the 1969 Ken Loach film.

Review of SLY Theatre - Kes

28th to 29th June 2011.

Review from the Newbury Weekly News.

Setting adds edge to Kes

Fast forward 15 years, when taking a fledgling kestrel would have become illegal

SLY Theatre: Kes, at New Greenham Arts, on Tuesday June 28 and Wednesday June 29

I remember writing a story for the Newbury Weekly News about the launch of Shining Lights Youth (SLY) Theatre back in 1999, so it's great to see the company still going strong, resident at New Greenham Arts, and having seen alumni move on to professional work, such as Alec Hopkins, who played the young Severus Snape in the fifth Harry Potter film.

The aim of SLY is to produce drama that challenges both its members and audiences, and it certainly did so with its latest production, based on the classic novel A Kestrel For A Knave by Barry Hines,

Transposing the story 15 years forward from its source material to the early 1980s brought in extra elements of tension into the action - rudderless juvenile delinquent Billy Casper's taking of the fledging kestrel from its nest would have been a criminal act after the 1981 Wildlife and Countryside Act, while his future looked even more hopeless with the added knowledge that the steady-but-dull employment lined up for him at the mine would not be a job for life after all.

Keeping the action in Yorkshire was an opportunity for the 10 actors to face the challenge of the regional accent and dialect, which they did so with great dedication. Indeed, the entire performance was an intense experience, as the entire cast were in camera at virtually all times, constantly fluttering the pages of books (possibly copies of A Kestrel For A Knave -I couldn't tell from my seat) and watching Elliot Laker as Billy intensely, their eyes forever following him as he immersed us in the teenager's isolated and misunderstood life.

With the story focused around Billy's relationship with Kes, the young kestrel he tames and trains, another challenge for the company was representing the raptor, which they did with feathered set dressings and lighting which stained the feathers with a flash of red when Billy discovered Kes' body.

The ensemble cast each took on several roles, creating excellent character pen portraits in their walks and mannerisms, such as Anna Roberts' prim librarian, Natalie Poernig as both Billy's careworn mother and caring teacher Miss Farthing, and Conor Holt as Jud, the jack-the-lad older brother whose immature reaction to a perceived slighting resulted in the destruction of both the bird and Billy's hope.

All involved in SLY can be proud of this stylish, affecting and powerful production, which retained both the bleakness and dark humour of the source text.

CATRIONA REEVES

About SLY Theatre (Shining Lights)

Shining Lights Youth Theatre, known as SLY Theatre, is a resident company at New Greenham Arts supported by The Corn Exchange, Newbury. Aspiring to produce drama that challenges our members and our audiences, SLY Theatre was formed in 1999 to develop the performance skills of young people through workshops that feed into a production. Our aim is to create an environment where young people feel comfortable and learn through positive experiences, pushing the boundaries of youth theatre and always aiming to cover new and interesting ground. SLY Theatre is a self-funded, voluntary organisation dependent on a small, dedicated team of individuals and ex-members who have a passion for the arts. The company is run by Pete Watt (Artistic Director) and Melanie Rosier-Watt (Company Manager).

SLY Theatre meet at New Greenham Arts Centre on New Greenham Park. We currently meet on a Monday evening from 6pm-9pm. For more information on SLY Theatre visit the SLY Theatre website www.shininglightsyouththeatre.com or contact Artistic Director Pete Watt or Company Manager Melanie Watt on 01635 826496 or email .

Previous productions

Disconnected 2011, 9th April 2011
A Christmas Carol, 21st to 22nd December 2010 at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Blood Wedding, 27th to 28th July 2010 at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Mountain Language, 12th to 13th April 2010 at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
The Ash Girl, 22nd to 23rd December 2009 at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Hotel, 8th August 2009, at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Medea, 21st to 22nd July 2009 at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Beauty and the Beast, 20th to 21st January 2009, at New Greenham Arts
The Roses of Eyam, 14th to 15th July 2008, at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
The Coming of the Kings, 17th and 19th December 2007
Grimm Tales, 23rd to 24th April 2007, at New Greenham Arts
Les Liaisons Dangereuses, 22nd to 23rd February 2005, at New Greenham Arts
In the Shadow of the Cross, 7th April 2004 at St Nicolas' Church. See the review in the Archive.
Arabian Nights, 12th to 13th December 2003, at New Greenham Arts. See the review and pictures in the Archive.
Cabaret, 12th to 14th June 2003, at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Salome, 24th to 25 January 2003, at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
4:48 Psychosis, 2nd September 2002, at New Greenham Arts. See the review in the Archive.
Alcestis, 19th March 2002 at New Greenham Arts
Woyzeck, 14th June 2001 at Kennet School. See the review in the Archive.
This is a Chair, 23rd November 2000 at Newbury Corn Exchange. See the review in the Archive.
Equus, 23rd to 24th July 2000. See the review in the Archive.
Alcestis, 19th March 2002.

Teenage Dramas

The Newbury Weekly News previewed this new group:

Lauraine Leigh began teaching drama in Newbury 12 years ago and after a period living in London, has returned to the town. She now works as a dramatherapist and part-time consultant, services which schools in East London and Slough buy in, including from Behaviour Support Services, mainly working with children who are in trouble at school often because they have difficult behaviour. This includes children with or without special needs, some who have suffered bereavement, some who've got into fights, some who've bullied or been bullied, and kids who lack self-esteem.

She's looking to start up an after-school ad hoc teenagers' group called 'Teenage Dramas' after Christmas, based in the Carnegie Room, at Newbury library, which she says "is a nice space, a safe atmosphere".

Using circles, drama games, freezeframes, role-play and role-reversal, the sessions will be aimed at raising self-esteem, to help any young people feel comfortable and confident in themselves, their ideas and their creativity.

Lauraine assures potential participants that "You don't have to be able to act. This isn't about making you feel nervous, it's about helping you feel strong. We'll use your ideas to make up stories: happy ones, sad ones, stories where people get hurt or bullied, and stories which we can laugh at."

"It's about being together and accepting each other, she explains, "and most importantly, it's about having fun together."

"We work with two important boundaries: you can say 'pass' and no put-downs". She maintains adolescence is a time of 'special needs'. The group is for any teenager of the right age.

Lauraine will also be using her skills as a dramatherapist in a separate support group for parents and carers of children and teenagers by bringing metaphor, drama and story as a tool for working with feelings.

To find out more about her sessions, ring Lauraine on (01635) 45011.

The Watermill Youth Theatre / Young Company

Last production

The Clodly Light Opera and Drama Society, 9th to 12th November 2011

This review is from the Newbury Weekly News.

Clodly's call to arms

Women fight back at their men and their promiscuous, spendthrift, warlike ways

Watermill Young Company: The Clodly Light Opera and Drama Society, at The Watermill, Bagnor, from Wednesday, November 9 to Saturday, November 12

Candy is a mighty maiden with a Theatre mission. She's also a woman betrayed by her philandering bank manager husband Derek (Christopher Evans) and turns to amateur dramatics to fill her days, while also making money for a Good Cause.

The setting is Clodly Village Hall - sepia picture of the Queen, best kept village poster, small, sad bunch of balloons. Candy welcomes those who have answered her advertisements for new members for the Clodly LO and D Society.

The eight eager thespians include gay Frankie, three women who have succumbed to Derek's charms (one of whom, the flighty Nadine, is expecting his baby), the older Nancy and Dorothy who have 'shared' Sidney ("splitting his love like a Kit-Kat") for many years, Lesley (a nicely-judged performance from Charlotte Metcalfe) and Lucy, both of whom have then- own man problems.

A strange man with cabbage leaves in his hair has been discovered in the hall and joins in, while having no idea of his identity.

Having vented her fury on her husband's lovers, Candy (an enjoyably over-the-top posh bitch performance from Kitty McIlroy Speed) decides to take a leaf from Lysistrata's book and encourages all (including Frankie) to withhold their favours from the men until they not only mend their ways sexually, but also donate vast sums of their illegally accrued money to the Good Cause.

How it all works out - and who Cabbage Man is - I will not tell you in case you catch this play elsewhere. There are a myriad gems in writer/director Ade Morris's very funny script, some of which get lost, so slick is the dialogue.

I loved Candy saying to pregnant Nadine: "We'll sit down over a Danish pastry and re-assess your moral values," and Jak Ford-Lane, excellent as the optimistic Frankie, including the Cats Protection League in his list of good things about England. Quite right too.

Particular bouquets must go to Elsa Leuty for a nicely-pitched performance as the feckless, lovely Nadine.

Snatches of piano music from Carl Calow accompanied this successful, fast-moving production in which the actors of the Watermill Young Company did justice to their own talents and Ade Morris's consistently entertaining play.

CAROLINE FRANKLIN

Who

The youth theatre meets on weekday evenings and Saturday mornings. The group devises its own work and works with the professional production team to produce main house youth theatre shows.

There are three groups, for 6-11, 11-15 and 16 to early 20s. For more information, contact Ade Morris on 01635 45834.

Previous productions

The Girl Who Never Forgot, 30th March to 2nd April 2011. See the review in the archive.
Bullets and Beetroot Lips, 17th to 20th November 2010. See the review in the archive.
The Three Musketeers, 7th to 10th April 2010. See the review in the archive.
Lay Your Sleeping Head, 18th to 21st November 2009. See the review in the archive.
Around the World in 80 Days, 6th to 10th May 2009. See the review in the archive.
The Sirens' Call, 19th to 22nd November 2008
The Legend of Sleepy Hollow, 21st to 24th May 2008. See the review in the archive.
¡Donkey Hoo-Ha!, 30th May to 2nd June 2007. See the review in the archive.
Mary Kelly's Bed, 1st to 4th November 2006. See the review in the archive.
The Gilded Lilies, 26th to 29th October 2005. See the review in the archive.
The Odyssey, 4th to 7th May 2005. See the review in the archive.
Hope Springs, 14th to 17th July 2004. See the review in the archive.
Wallride, 29th October to 1st November 2003. See the review in the archive.
Accelerate, 9th to 12th July 2003. See the review in the archive.
Landmines and Chewing Gum, 20th to 23rd November 2002. See the review in the archive.
Fen, 6th to 9th February 2002. See the review in the archive.
Walk in the Shadow, 25th to 28th July 2001. See the review in the archive.
Dragon's Teeth, 22nd to 25th November 2000. See the review in the archive.

Abdabs Youth Theatre at Witney

Just outside our area (north west of Oxford); their web site is www.abdabs-yt.co.uk.

Hungerford Young Performers, Children's Theatre and Youth Theatre

The Community of Hungerford, who stage an annual musical (the Town Show) each year, have three groups for young people. The Hungerford Young Performers (ages 6 to 8 years), The Hungerford Children's Theatre (ages 9 to 13 years) and The Hungerford Youth Theatre (ages 14 to 21 years). All these groups meet in the John O' Gaunt Youth & Community Centre.

New members are always welcome. More information can be obtained from our website www.hungerfordtheatrecompany.co.uk or by e-mailing our membership secretary:

Next production

Last productions

The Dracula Rock Show, 10th July 2010 at John O' Gaunt School
Musical presented by Hungerford Children’s Theatre as part of HADCAF. A fun musical play with a hilarious plot, full of splendid eccentric characters, is sparked by a dynamic rocky score, which takes in 60s rock, 70s disco and even a line dance!

Youth Theatre: The Cleaners, 10th to 11th June 2010 at Herongate Leisure conference theatre
By local writers Hoffi Munt and Samuel Robinson, presented by Hungerford Youth Theatre. Loosely based on the writer’s own experiences as a cleaner, The Cleaners is a comedy following the story of seven wayward teens who are forced to clean an office in the hope that it will redeem them of their former ways. As they battle against addiction, ASBOs, teenage pregnancy, OCDs, anger, stupidity and just plain bad luck they are overseen by the unrelenting and bizarre supervisors and office workers. With the odds against them will they ever become upstanding members of society? A surreal, ironic and cynical look at how young people are perceived today.

Young Performers: Grimm Tales, 20th March 2010 in the new conference theatre at Herongate Leisure Centre, Charnham Park
The play, written by local playwright Hoffi Munt, is a compilation of Grimm's fairy tales including Little Red Riding Hood, The Frog Prince, Rapunzel and Cinderella told by the brothers Grimm to a princess who won't go to sleep…
The Young Performers Theatre is open to children aged 6 to 8 years who come from the community of Hungerford and surrounding Towns and Villages. The Young Performers web site is here.

Previous productions

Young Performers: The Fate of King Minos, 28th March 2009
Children’s Theatre: Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, 5th July 2008
Young Performers: Beowulf, 29th March 2008
Children’s Theatre: Romeo and Juliet the Musical, 7th July 2007
Youth Theatre: Two Short Socks, 6th July 2007
Young Performers: Tattybogle, 17th March 2007
Young Performers: The Selfish Giant, July 2006
Children's Theatre: Scheherazade, Tales of Arabian Nights, July 2006
Children's Theatre: Alice, 2005
Youth Theatre: Ritual For Dolls, 8th July 2005
Youth Theatre: The Gut Girls, 6th to 7th June 2005
Young Performers: The Piper, Easter 2005
Children's Theatre: Cinderella, 2004
Young Performers: Hoodwinked, July 2004
Youth Theatre: Daisy Pulls It Off, 22nd to 23rd July 2004
Children's Theatre: Card Play, 19th to 20th July 2004
Youth Theatre: Once a Catholic, 8th and 9th July 2003
Young Performers: Whoops -a- Daisy Angel, 16th December 2002
Children's Theatre: The Spell of Sleeping Beauty 12-13 July 2002
Youth Theatre: You Me and Mrs Jones 12-13 July 2002.

Whippersnapper

Whippersnapper is a Wantage based youth theatre company whose aim is to give teenagers with a love of theatre the opportunity to involve themselves in the nitty-gritty of putting on plays in as professional a way as possible. The organiser of this group is Margaret Bateman, 01235 762992.

Next production

A Tale of Two Cities, 4th to 6th November, 19:30, at Lains Barn, Wantage
A Domino Players production.
By Charles Dickens, adapted by Matthew Francis. Set in London and Paris before and during the French Revolution, it depicts the plight of the French peasantry under the oppression of the French aristocracy in the years leading up to the revolution, the corresponding brutality demonstrated by the revolutionaries toward the former aristocrats in the early years of the revolution, and a number of unflattering social parallels with life in London during the same time period (hence the work's title). It follows the lives of several protagonists through these events, most notably Charles Darnay, a French once-aristocrat who falls victim to the indiscriminate wrath of the revolution despite his virtuous nature, and Sydney Carton, a dissipated British barrister who endeavours to redeem his ill-spent life out of love for Darnay's wife, Lucie Manette. Tickets £8 and £7 concessions.

Previous productions

The Accrington Pals, 21st June 2009, at Blue Boar Barn, Newbury Street, Wantage
By Peter Whelan. A funny, moving account of life (and death) in the First World War.

A Midsummer Night's Dream, 21st June 2008, at Wantage Civic Hall
On Midsummer Night, 21st June, the company will bring its ingenuity and exuberance to Wantage Civic Hall for a one off performance of (what else?) A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare. The space will be transformed by youthful sleight of hand into a woodland glade peopled by trouble making fairies, confused lovers and an ambitious, if less than skilful, troupe of village thespians.

The Musical Youth Company of Oxford

We produce and perform high quality shows and concerts that entertain audiences throughout Oxfordshire and beyond, organise summer camps, social events, music and theatre workshops and run our very own "Oscars" event.

We currently rehearse from 19:00 to 21:30 Wednesdays at Cherwell School, and on most Mondays at Marston United Reformed Church.

Our web site is at www.myco.org.uk.

Oxford Playhouse

For details of youth events, see the Oxford Playhouse web site.

Oxford Youth Theatre (Pegasus)

Oxford Youth Theatre is open to anyone between the ages of 10 to 25. Membership costs £20 per year and there are no auditions. Make sure you're on the mailing list to receive details of projects by contacting Yasmin Sidhwa, Louise Barrett or calling 01865 792209. Also see the web site at www.pegasustheatre.org.uk.

Starmaker

Last production

Annie, 12th to 16th October 2004, at the Wilde Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell
Based on the cartoon strip Little Orphan Annie it was translated into a musical by Martin Charnin. The musical Annie tells a Depression-era rags-to-riches story of an eleven-year-old orphan who yearns to escape from the orphanage run by the mean-spirited Miss Hannigan. When Daddy Warbucks decides to adopt Annie, her dream comes true! Songs include Tomorrow, We'd Like To Thank You, Little Girls, I Think I'm Gonna Like It Here, Easy Street, You Won't Be An Orphan For Long, You're Never Fully Dressed Without a Smile and Annie. A musical treat for the whole family.

Previous productions

Once a Catholic, 22nd to 26th June 2004, at Studio Theatre, South Hill Park, Bracknell

Songs from the Musicals - Act Two, 8th May 2004, at Bearwood Theatre, Winnersh
Pirates of Penzance (Broadway version), 2nd to 6th March 2004, at the Wilde Theatre, Bracknell.

See our web site at starmakeruk.org. We are totally dedicated to the Youth Theatre Scene and not an "attachment" to an Adult Society. We have had a large number of members go onto various performing arts colleges all over the country and subsequently onto some major shows / films / TV etc. Our most famous "graduate" was Kate Winslett.

The main rehearsals are in Reading in the Avenue School not far from Madejski Stadium (Wednesdays, Fridays, Sundays). The various Schools (Easter, Summer, SPACE) are held all over the Reading area. The major (and some Minor) performances are at the Wilde Theatre at
Bracknell.

Over the past 15 years, Starmaker have staged over 60 productions at venues including: The Hexagon, Reading; The Wilde Theatre, Bracknell; Kenton Theatre, Henley-On-Thames; Corn Exchange, Newbury; The Fulcrum, Slough; Magnet Leisure Centre, Maidenhead; Shinfield Theatre, Reading; and The Desborough Suite, Maidenhead.

WOAPA – West Oxfordshire Academy of Performing Arts

WOAPA is a part-time Theatre School for children aged 4–16 years which operates at evenings and weekends during the standard academic term. Providing quality tuition in the three disciplines of Singing, Dance and Drama, our class sizes are deliberately kept small to ensure that each child receives the individual attention they deserve. Our classes are led by experienced and enthusiastic tutors whose skills in working with young people enable our students to develop at their own pace, and encourage them to reach their true potential. With no entry auditions or previous experience required, whether your child dreams of a career in performing arts or simply wants to make new friends, WOAPA will boost your child’s confidence… and they’ll have loads of fun!

Each week, students attend three, 1-hour sessions of drama, singing and dance. We promote a positive environment - where students have fun as they celebrate their individuality and achievements. Working as part of a team, students are encouraged to be creative and value the experience of working closely with others towards a common goal. Skills are developed and refined, enabling students to become multi-disciplined, all-round performers.

For our young performers (aged 4-6) all three elements of singing, dance and drama are combined in a weekly, 1-hour, fun-packed session. We offer the opportunity for your child to stretch their imagination and nurture their social skills including communication and concentration.

Watch as your child develops…

Increased confidence
Growing self-esteem
An expanding imagination
Creativity
Co-ordination

AND a whole new set of friends!

Reports, Awards and Exams

In order to share our students’ progress we arrange informal performances for families. Parents also receive written reports at regular intervals. WOAPA provides its own internal awards for achievement in class. For those students wishing to undertake more formal assessments, exams are arranged for both LAMDA and Arts Awards.

Added benefits

Students and parents have exclusive access to a members'-only area on our website, listing details of auditions, theatre trips, special events, and more!

If you’re looking for drama activities for kids in the Witney area, WOAPA – West Oxfordshire Academy of Performing Arts is for you!

Take a look at our website – www.woapa.co.uk