productions...

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Christmas 2007

For the first time PYT produced a Christmas show open to the public and rehearsed over 5 weeks of the Autumn Term. Follow the Star was open to every member who auditioned and the cast numbered over one hundred.

Follow the Star

The musical Follow the Star provided the perfect opener for the Christmas Season. With plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this fresh look at the nativity story featured all the familiar characters, but with a humorous twist. God is known as Olly, Angel Gabriel is Gabby and Angy, Jelly and Lofty are three accompanying angels, whose job is to guide the Wise Men and the Shepherds to the crib. Herod is a traditional pantomime baddy and suffers humiliation at the hands of the audience. PYT once again provided the opportunity for all members to take part in a public performance of the highest standard. Renowned cartoonist, Peter Plant, donated an eye-catching cartoon for the publicity material, reflecting the light hearted approach to the Christmas Story.

Autumn Season 2007

West Side Story

When West Side Story opened on Broadway in September 1957 it set a new standard for musicals, and in this 50th Anniversary year PYT's production faithfully reproduced the evocative theme, exciting choreography and the memorable music. Directed and choreographed by Nik Ashton, and with musical direction by Jonathan Gill, the talented cast rose to the challenge of this energetic and ground breaking musical. Audiences were transported to the streets of New York to experience the racial tension and gang warfare of the Jets and the Sharks, which is skilfully intertwined with the tragic love story of Tony and Maria. Anne Pinhey wrote; "Another stunning production from PYT who go from strength to strength. West Side Story was an ideal vehicle for the talented members, and their production would have graced any London stage".

The Wind in the Willows

PYT commissioned this delightful production of The Wind in the Willows with music and Lyrics by Richard Taylor. The set featured the riverbank with silhouetted bulrushes against a deep blue cyclorama, and a multi-purpose gigantic tree trunk which transformed into Mole or Rat's house. Excellent lighting, imaginative costumes and strong characterisations from the cast helped to create a memorable production. Reviewing the show, Tom Muckley wrote; "Enchanting. No other word will possibly do to describe the Petersfield Youth Theatre's version of The Wind in the Willows. The enchantment began as soon as we entered the theatre. We were soon introduced to the riverbank characters, welcoming the arrival of Spring with a tune that haunts me still".

Spring Season 2007

A new addition to the PYT Calendar the 2007 Spring Season featured two productions providing more performance opportunities for our older members.

Starting Out

A challenging repertoire of songs, rich in harmony, by a wide range of composers including Sondheim, Bernstein, Kander and Ebb and Stiles and Drewe, Starting Out allowed the cast to find new levels of maturity, as they delivered some difficult musical numbers with outstanding technique. A simple but beautifully lit set, and clever choreography complimented the performances to create a memorable evening of music and voice.

The Exam

Written by Andy Hamilton, (Drop the Dead Donkey) The Exam is a comedy and follows the build up of tension as three very different sixteen year olds prepare for a re-take of an exam. They have to cope with their self-doubt, incompetent staff and parental pressure. The PYT cast showed natural ability in portraying the teenagers' amusing idiosyncrasies and the varied and questionable attitudes from the parents and staff.

Autumn Season 2006

PYT's biggest season yet. Two musicals and a play, a visiting professional production for the younger audience, a total of 20 performances, 160 cast members and audience numbers of more than 4000.

Summer Holiday

Based on the 1962 film starring Cliff Richard, Summer Holiday featured some of the most popular tunes of the 60's including the title song, Bachelor Boy, The Young Ones and Do You Wanna Dance? Set in a London bus depot and on the road to Greece, this show was an energetic romp full of energy and enthusiasm. Providing a contrast to last season's deeply moving production of Whistle Down the Wind, Summer Holiday included some great choreography, a sense of fun and some audience participation, as the cast persuaded them to join in the dancing for the finale.

Jungle Book

This version of the well known Kipling stories provided a wonderful opportunity for younger members of PYT to take part in a major production at the Festival Hall, Petersfield. The set was spectacular, the costume design brilliantly colourful and the young cast sang and danced their way through the Disney favourites with great energy and acrobatics, as they told the story of Mowgli and his journey to the 'man village'.

School Journey to the Centre of the Earth

Written by Daisy Campbell a past member of the National Youth Theatre, this short play was chosen in 2006 as part of the Shell Connections project. School Journey to the Centre of the Earth is set entirely on a Primary school coach trip to Alton Towers. The journey turns into a rollercoaster ride of its own, with the imagination of the pupils getting completely out of control. Was their teacher kidnapping them, were the 'Nasties' really planning to brainwash them, or was schoolgirl, Tricia, making it all up?

Whistle Down the Wind
October 2005

After 15 Years of providing quality theatrical productions and education for young people in Petersfield, PYT celebrated with a community production of Richard Taylor's Whistle Down the Wind. Adult performers collaborated with PYT members to stage the moving and powerful story set in 1950's Lancashire. The challenging score with multi-layered choral sections and unpredictable melodies was handled with skill by the cast and supported by Musical Director Jonathan Gill. Director and Designer, Nik Ashton's imaginative revolving set and the atmospheric lighting reflected the austere and somewhat dark mood of post war northern England, and provided a striking contrast to the innocence of the children who thought that Jesus had returned to their neighbourhood.

The Wizard of Oz
September 2004

After ten years PYT returned to the much loved musical made famous by the 1939 film with Judy Garland as Dorothy. The challenge in 2004 was to push aside artistic boundaries and do something different without losing the magical and dreamlike qualities of the show. Nik Ashton chose to set The Wizard of Oz in a large area with simple and clean lines. With some stunning lighting effects and strong characterisation by the cast, the result was fresh and original, but still cast its spell on the audience, as this show has being doing for over 60 years!

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