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

Tin Pan Ali, 1st to 2nd August, 7:30 and 2:30 on Saturday
This familiar tale of Arabian Nights shifts to 1930’s Chicago where our hero is a street sweeper, and the thieves are gangsters. Ali sees some gangsters dump a haul of jewels in a warehouse manned by caretaker Sesame. Ali steals the loot and the tale unfolds as the gangsters, led by Carooni, embark on a plan to find him. With a witty script and a brilliant score this is an enchanting adaptation of an old favourite.

Where

Arlington Arts Centre.

Box Office

01635 244246.

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 Wind Tamer, 26th July, 7:00
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.

Where

Corn Exchange.

Box Office

Newbury Corn Exchange, 01635 522733.

Previous productions

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 will also appear at this year's Edinburgh Festival Fringe in August. See the review below.

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 Just So

21st July 2007.

Animal magic

Newbury Youth Theatre pull another winner from the hat

Newbury Youth Theatre: Just So, at The Corn Exchange, on Saturday, July 21

Newbury Youth Theatre's fine reputation means that it has a lot to live up to, but each year this young company (aged nine to 21), headed by artistic director/producer Robin Strapp, pulls something fresh and original out of the hat for its annual production. Soon, members head off to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, for the 13th successive year: a record many pros would envy.

Resident at The Corn Exchange, which provides a professional environment for its productions, this year marked a departure for the company, with its first production for children.
Just So was adapted by director Amy Trigwell-Jones (working for the second year with husband Tony Trigwell-Jones as co-director) from four of Rudyard Kipling's famous stories, How the Whale Got His Throat, The Crab that Played with the Sea, How the Camel Got its Hump and The Elephant's Child, with much of the production devised by the young people themselves.

And what a production: full of enchantment, right down to bubbles and Stardust. Played out through letters exchanged between a child and her explorer father, it was a delight from the word go.

First the Alice in Wonderland set. Just a four-poster bed, decked out in the colours and creatures of the sea, and an old-fashioned fireplace, but they spelled magic. Add the bedtime dreams of the little girl, in long Victorian nightie with bedtime candle, a narrator for each story, and we were off.

Inventive direction included excellent physicality, which characterised situations and animals, and worked as dramatic propulsion. The simple black backcloth morphed into a starry night sky; the bed into a puppet theatre; characters entered and exited via the magical fireplace.

Imaginative costuming shrieked post-modern (myriad influences from the Raj to the '30s) suggesting the nonsensical, illogical, dreamlike possibilities of childhood imagination: 'cod' beards and moustaches; flopping fish in luminous flippers, swimming hats and goggles; and a lovely bunch of red bananas ("Yuk, red bananas", said a young lad behind me).

This young company epitomises the spirit of ensemble work - this was a truly integrated production - so it seems invidious to single out any single performer. However, Tom Clarke and Daniel Morton, who wrote and performed the accompanying music, on electric drum kit and guitar/harmonica, not only looked brilliantly post-punk, but were an intrinsic part of the performance.

Yet again I salute NYT. Forget hoodies and the lost generation. This young company will restore your faith in life - and in the alchemy of theatre. They exude a huge sense of fun and togetherness, and " 'Just So', 'my best beloved' ", was a delight.

LIN WILKINSON

Shining Lights

Next production

The Roses of Eyam, 14th to 15th July, 8:00 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.

Last production

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.

There is no need to buy tickets, just turn up and be entertained. There will be a retiring collection on exit with the proceeds being spilt with the youth theatre and respective churches. For more information on Shining Lights visit the Shining Lights website www.shininglightsyouththeatre.com.

Before that

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 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

¡Donkey Hoo-Ha!, 30th May to 2nd June 2007.

This is from the Newbury Weekly News.

It's ass-ta la vista!

Youth theatre director's final theatrical journey is a hoot

Watermill Youth Theatre: ¡Donkey Hoo-ha!, at The Watermill, Bagnor, from Wednesday, May 30 to Saturday, June 2

The Watermill Youth Theatre production of the classic Spanish tale Don Quixote was an absolute hoot.

Writer Will Wollen has taken the original story of the man who reads too many stories of daring knights and chivalry, and starts to believe that he is the bravest knight of all, and has given it a modern, fresh and hugely comic approach.

Welcome to the donkey game show with Hosty Host (Giles Coutinho) and the donkey girls. TV director (Bessie Glover) encourages the audience to press their voting buttons - but there are no buttons.

The style and genre of the evening has been set. This is going to be fun.

Ed Robbs is the late contestant that wins the prize of a trip to La Mancha and decides to take the whole audience with him.

We are transported to Spain via the airport lounge, which is a hilarious spoof on all the folk from the TV programme Airport.

We meet the stag party, the angry couple suffering from a delay to flight 1605, a tongue-in-cheek reference to when Miguel Cervantes' novel was written.

Terry Pratt, strongly played by Nick Whitworth, and his downtrodden mother Evie Harbury, are delayed by three days, and anorak Keith (Ben Moxham) is the plane nerd who knows all about delays - a lovely moment.

This is an ideal opportunity for Ed to recall the story of Don Quixote, a splendidly-dressed Liam Hess, so the play moves to La Mancha with a wonderful chorus of peasant women dressed in traditional black.

This was very much an ensemble production, with the actors obviously enjoying every minute of this mad-cap rollercoaster ride through the fantasy world of the Quixote legends.

Directed with style and panache by Will Wollen, this was a thoroughly enjoyable and delightful evening with a strong message from the cast for the audience to "get out there and live your own life".

Sound advice.

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

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. The Young Performers meet every Monday at 4.30pm, The Children's Theatre currently meet every Thursday from 6.30pm to 8.30pm and The Youth Theatre currently meets on Friday evenings from 7.30pm to 9.30pm.

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

Romeo and Juliet the Musical, 7th July 2007
The Children’s Theatre performed Romeo and Juliet the Musical based on the play by William Shakespeare, with new lyrics and music written by Debbie Campbell.

Two Short Socks, 6th July 2007
The Youth Theatre performed Two Short Socks, three one act plays.

Previous productions

Young Performers: Tattybogle, 17th March 2007
Youth Theatre: Ritual For Dolls, 8th July 2005
Children's Theatre: Scheherazade, Tales of Arabian Nights, 8th July 2006

Where

John O' Gaunt Community Technical College, Priory Road, Hungerford.

Previous productions

Youth Theatre: The Gut Girls, 6th to 7th June 2005
Young Performers: The Selfish Giant, July 2006
Children's Theatre: Alice, 2005
Young Performers: The Piper, Easter 2005
Youth Theatre: Daisy Pulls It Off, July 2004
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, at John O' Gaunt School Hall.
Children's Theatre: The Spell of Sleeping Beauty by Vera Morris
Youth Theatre: You Me and Mrs Jones by Tony Horitz
Both were on Friday 12th & Saturday 13th July, 2002 at John O' Gaunt School Hall.

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.

Next productions

The Summer Concert, 2nd to 3rd July 2005, 7:30, at Kennington Village Centre

The Didcot Concert, 14th October 2005, 7:30, at Didcot Civic Centre

Last production

The Pirates of Penzance (Broadway version), 6th to 9th April 2005, at the Oxford Playhouse.

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.