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

A Load of Rubbish, 23rd to 25th July
A musical comedy with a strong ecological message. Life on an overspill rubbish dump takes a philosophical turn, with items of rubbish asking 'why are we here?' - and making a song and dance about it!

Where

Arlington Arts Centre.

Box Office

01635 244246.

Review of Tin Pan Ali

1st to 2nd August 2008.

From the Newbury Weekly News.

Witty new take on an old story

Newbury YoungStars: Tin Pan Ali, at Arlington Arts, Snelsmore, on Friday, August 1 and Saturday, August 2

Last weekend Arlington Arts Centre saw a cast of more than 30 youngsters singing and dancing in Newbury Youngstars' latest offering.

Tin Pan Ali written by Jeremy James follows the story of the Arabian Nights. However, in this witty tale, they move the setting to 1930s Chicago using street sweepers and gangsters to act out the story.

A lively opening set the standard of comedy for the evening and the young cast, directed by Mike Cound, took full advantage of the witty script, which was also complemented by excellent costumes and a simple and effective set.

We follow the fortunes of street-sweeping Ali Baba, played very competently by Paul Holland, who, by chance, discovers the hiding place of many stolen treasures belonging to the gangster boss Al Carooni, played by Dimitri Rogers.

Dimitri particularly shone in the second act, adopting guises in an attempt to steal back his loot. As with many a happy ending, Al Carooni turns out to be Ali Baba's father and the treasures end up staying in the Baba family.

A large young cast does have its difficulties to overcome and I felt that, in some scenes, a little more energy and movement from the cast could have made the evening a bit more dynamic.

The pace was also slowed owing to a significant amount of dialogue being forgotten, together with the sound operation which was atrocious and proved distracting for the audience and, even, the cast at times.

That said, having a lot of youngsters does mean the pickings are rich and a lot of smaller parts were played extremely well.

Reece Broughton brought out the comedy as the Sultan. Peggy Slater with limited dialogue maintained her character as Doll the Moll excellently and Adam West sang beautifully as Sesame.

However, my personal highlight were the Baba grandparents Emily Sinfield and Lee Slater, both capturing the characters fantastically and making the most of their comedy timing.

Another delightful moment was a well-choreographed Dust Cart Rag, cleverly using good old wheelie bins as dance partners. Wheel done.

The hard work and effort from all involved was appreciated by a very receptive audience.

DANIEL MASKELL

Previous productions

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 Ann Harris by or phone 01635 40648.

Newbury Youth Theatre

Next production

The Lost Letters of Mr Corrigan, 1st August
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.

Where

Corn Exchange.

Box Office

Newbury Corn Exchange, 01635 522733.

Previous productions

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 below.

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 Wind Tamer

26th July 2008.

Company keep up their record

Different subject matter, same standard of production

Newbury Youth Theatre Edinburgh preview: The Wind Tamer, at The Com Exchange, on Saturday, July 26

Newbury Youth Theatre, now in its 25th year, earned its fine reputation by staging issue-based plays, but this year's production - as last's - has taken a more magical theme.

Adapted from P. R. Morrison's novel, originally written as a bedtime story for her children, The Wind Tamer is the Youth Theatre's first full book adaptation - and the first time the author's work has been staged.

Ten-year-old Archie Stringweed and his family are cursed: all first-born sons are fearful of the world. Prompted by inexplicable birthday presents which arrive each year from Archie's long-lost Uncle Rufus, Archie eventually takes on evil winds and a terrifying tornado to break the curse.

As the drama unfolds, his over-protective parents find their strength too.

Set in the present, the production references the Second World War - an inspired approach, not only because the period is far enough away to be of consuming interest to the current generation but, since it was a time in which ordinary people were called upon to do extraordinary things and display uncommon courage, it fits perfectly with the play's theme.

Good triumphs over evil, bravery defeats bullying, fear is exposed as a self-perpetuating dead end. Archie learns that in extremis people help one another and that we are stronger together than alone.

Uncle Rufus, resplendent in flying jacket, Biggles helmet and goggles, was played splendidly in period and, with spot-on timing by George Collins, who had the clipped RAF voice down to a tee, his 1939 Cessna inventively suggested by a propeller-bearing umbrella. Chief ice gull (Georgia Scarr), commanding her sexy squadron of WAAF gulls, was a dead ringer for Lee Miller.

Callum Battersby's Archie was a touching characterisation. With his friends Georgina (Katie Wheeler) and Sid (Ronan Hatfull), he was a perplexed child, growing in awareness when his father, Jeffrey (Matthew Hodgkin), intimates something of the family secret.

An ensemble approach, with movement and physicality, are Youth Theatre strengths, the latter especially effective in the black, wraithlike figures of the wind, with their elongated white masks and ghostly faces.

The production again included original music, played by Daniel Morton, Clarisse Loughrey and Rachael Brooks. Haunting and sometimes eerie, it gave the production an added dimension.

Adapted and smartly directed by Amy and Tony Trigwell-Jones, The Wind Tamer is atmospherically lit, with strong effects.

It features superb costuming by Rhia Whitnell and a very clever set designed by Jim Patterson.

A central revolving stair with a faux rising balustrade suggested upstairs and downstairs, the family home and the world outside, the mental and physical space between the forces of evil and the family battling against them.

Once again, the Youth Theatre is heading for the Edinburgh Fringe - for its 13th consecutive year. There can be very few young theatre groups in the country with such a fantastic record.

The fact that there are no auditions or membership restrictions makes its achievements even more extraordinary.

Shining Lights

Next production

Medea, 21st to 22nd July at New Greenham Arts
Shining Lights Youth Theatre bring their trademark ensemble style to Medea. Euripides's masterpiece shows the destructiveness of betrayal, jealousy, and ultimately vengeance. The play, set in Corinth, begins after Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece when he decides to marry King Creon’s daughter. Medea, having betrayed her family and country for Jason, finds herself an alien and an outcast in a strange land. Consumed by her sense of betrayal and rage, Medea devises a plot to use her sorcery and destroy all that Jason holds dear, leaving him, in the end, alone in the aftermath of the destruction.

Review of The Roses of Eyam

14th to 15th July 2008.

From the Newbury Weekly News.

Fear and sacrifice at the time of the plague

Shining Lights Youth Theatre: The Roses of Eyam, at New Greenham arts, on Monday, July 14th and Tuesday, July 15th.

When the plague arrived in the Derbyshire village of Eyam in 1665 and people started to die at an alarming rate, the Rev William Mompession overcame his difference with the Rev Stanley, the pervious rector of the village. They co-operated to persuade the villagers to prevent the spread of the disease by quarantining themselves from the outside world.

From the very start, we felt we were all part of the village, with the cast emerging from seats within the audience, each quietly quoting an appropriate phrase as they moved onto the stage and drew us into their story. The setting was impressive with an imaginatively constructed oak tree as the focal point surrounded by the streets and houses of the village. As the story unfolded, these houses were marked with red crosses when the disease overcame their occupants and the enormity of the tragedy was laid before us.

Throughout the play, the skilful lighting and gentle background music added further atmosphere to the situation. The cast of nine played all the principal roles as well as those of the villagers.

Although this play was originally written for a large cast, these performers created the impression of numbers with well choreographed movements and groupings. The use of 'puppets' for the other significant characters was ingenious, well handled and particularly effective for the boy separated from his girlfriend from a nearby village.

DDaryl Hurts was excellent as William Mompession, as he first showed leadership and determination to guide the villagers and then, with Chantelle Davison as Catherine Mompession, was brought down to a low with the emotional death of his wife.

This particular scene was very well done.

There were also excellent performances by all the other actors, notably Katie Hartley-Kane as the Rev Stanley and Tom Harland as Marshall Howe. The Plague reached its climax in 1666 and the scene of the open air service was particularly poignant when the surviving villagers listed the names of more people who had died and quietly placed further crosses on houses.

This was a powerful, well directed play with a group of young talented actors. However, it was disappointing to see so few in the audience on the second night.

PETER KEARNS

Previous productions

Beauty and the Beast, 20th to 21st January 2009, at New Greenham Arts
By Laurence Boswell (Young Vic and RSC), directed by Pete Watt. Shining Lights Youth Theatre bring their trademark ensemble style to this fairy-tale thriller. In Beauty and the Beast we encounter two worlds. The domestic world of Beauty's family in mid-eighteenth-century France, safe and familiar, and another world, first stumbled upon by her merchant father: a place of great riches and disturbing nightmares, dominated by the fearsome and tragic Beast. Suitable for all the family.
The Roses of Eyam, 14th to 15th July 2008, at New Greenham Arts
Following their work with South African Theatre Company K-CAP, Shining Lights present a reworking of The Roses of Eyam, which tells the remarkable and true story of a village stricken with plague, after the arrival of a contaminated box of clothing. It tells the tale of the villagers’ determination, under persuasions of the present and former rector, to prevent the spread of the disease at the risk of their own lives. A heart-warming account of human tragedy, idealism and courage.
The Coming of the Kings, 17th and 19th December 2007
17th December: St Mary’s Church, Thatcham
19th December: Our Lady’s Catholic Church, Thatcham
The Coming of the Kings by Ted Hughes is a light comedy telling the story of the innkeeper and his wife, who are visited by a fortune teller who tells them that three kings will visit them; but how do you recognise a King when you see one? In this short play Ted Hughes mixes humour with the traditional Christmas story. Shining Lights have put their own distinctive twist to this, making this a wonderfully theatrical show suitable for all the family.

Grimm Tales, 23rd to 24th April 2007, at New Greenham Arts
A selection of popular fairy tales that were adapted and dramatised by Carol Ann Duffy, Tim Supple and the Young Vic Theatre Company. Shining Lights bring to life the surreal tale of the mouse, the Bird and the Sausage; the lesser-known Hare and the Hedgehog alongside the more familiar Hansel and Gretel, Snow White and Rumpelstiltskin.

Shining Lights is a voluntary organisation with charitable status through BAYP (Berkshire Association of Young People) and currently the skills based youth theatre for The Corn Exchange, Newbury. We do not regard ourselves as a youth theatre, more as a training ground for young people to learn skills that will help in auditions at drama schools and to give the self-confidence to make a mark on the world. Shining Lights looks to provide opportunities for young people that they would not find in other youth theatres. We do not compete with other youth theatres because we are different. We aspire to provide drama that is challenging and interesting for our members and their audiences. Past productions include Equus by Peter Shaffer, This is a Chair by Caryl Churchill and Woyzeck by George Buchner. There is a professional attitude that stems from the management of the company right thought to each and every member.

The company rehearse every Thursday from 6-9pm at The Corn Exchange. For more information on Shining Lights visit the Shining Lights website www.shininglightsyouththeatre.com or contact Artistic Director Pete Watt or Company Manager Melanie Watt on 01635 826496 or email .

Previous productions

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. See below.
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

Around the World in 80 Days, 6th to 10th May 2009.

This is from the Newbury Weekly News.

Full speed ahead

Youth theatre director makes her mark in adventurous quest

The Watermill Youth Group: Around the World in 80 Days, at The Watermill, from Wednesday, May 6 to Sunday, May 10

The Watermill's senior and mix youth theatres' production of Around The World In 80 Days was skilfully retold by this young, talented company in an energetic full-throttle performance. Directed with aplomb by Beth Flintoff, in her debut role, this was a highly inventive production.

Adapted from the Jules Verne book by Robin Belfield, this version kept very close to the original story. Phileas Fogg, splendidly played by Jak Ford-Lane, bet half his fortune with members of the Reform Club that he could travel around the world in 80 days or less.

He embarked on this adventurous quest with his valet Passepartout, a stunning performance from Elsa Leuty, whose French accent would have been at home in the television series 'Allo 'Allo.

Christopher Evans was the determined detective Inspector Fix who stoically followed Fogg, believing him to be a bank robber. The large ensemble, too many to name, played a myriad of roles with zest and commitment.

Their journey took them to France and then a balloon flight to Egypt, which was cleverly staged. The globetrotting story continued in India with a speeding train precariously trying to cross a collapsing bridge, with some hilarious results. Matt Courtney was excellent as Sir Francis Cromarty, who gave a captivating performance with a lovely upper-class accent.

The arrival of an elephant on stage was a great piece of comic invention as the intrepid explorers crossed India. Their journey was interrupted as they rescued Aouda - a touching performance by Yasmeen Sheperia - from being sacrificed on a funeral pyre. The audience went outside to the garden to witness the dramatic rescue.

Other adventures included a sled ride over ice and a full blown Indian attack in America and, finally, a sea voyage back to Liverpool during which the ship's superstructure was used as fuel.

Fogg finally made it back to England believing that he had lost his bet, but forgot that he had gained a day since he was travelling East and made it back to the Reform Club with seconds to spare.

James Lewis' multi-level set and Nick Flintoff 's dramatic lighting perfectly complemented this hugely enjoyable play.

Bravo.

ROBIN STRAPP

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 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:

Last productions

Young Performers: The Fate of King Minos, 28th March 2009
When fate is decided by the gods one would hope they’d take it more seriously than a game of snap. Unfortunately for King Minos this is not the case. This play, written specifically for the Young Performers by Hoffi Munt, includes several well-known Greek myths including that of Theseus and the Minotaur and it gives both boys and girls the chance to be gods, heroes, inventors and kings.

Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, 5th July 2008
The Children’s Theatre performed Snow-White and the Seven Dwarfs, 'Roald Dahl's glittering, galloping musical' - (based on his Revolting Rhyme). This was a delightful and amusing twist on a traditional tale that the children and the audiences enjoyed immensely.

Previous productions

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.

Last production

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.

Previous production

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 every Wednesday evenings at Summertown United Reform Church and most Monday evenings at Marston United Reform Church from 7.30 pm. Venues for rehearsals are subject to change.

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 www.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.