productions...

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Autumn Season 2011

Les Misérables

PYT celebrated its 21st Birthday in 2011 and chose to present what can be considered as the most challenging of all contemporary musicals. The young cast were not in any way daunted by the task, and rose to the challenge with a maturity way beyond their years. The quality of the singing and strong characterisations from the talented cast moved many audience members, as they were transported to the troubled streets of Paris in the 19th Century. Directed by Nik Ashton and Joe Pitcher and with Jill Farrow returning as Musical Director, Lighting Design by Dan Last and Sound by Kyle McPherson, Les Misérables received outstanding reviews and set standards seldom seen in Youth Theatre productions.

Christmas 2010

A Christmas Carol

December 2010 will be remembered for the severe winter weather, and with snow lying thickly on the ground, the scene was set for this atmospheric production of A Christmas Carol. This musical, written by Alan Menken and Lynn Ahrens and first performed in Madison Square, New York in 1994 had a cast of over 100 performers. They delivered the well-known story of Ebenezer Scrooge's journey from a miserly businessman to kindly gentleman set in Victorian London, with great skill. Directed by Nik Ashton and Ashley Day with lighting by Dan Last, and Ben Gudgeon as Musical Director, A Christmas Carol was a spectacular finale to a memorable year for PYT.

Autumn Season 2010

Crazy for You

For the past few years, PYT has brought some serious and challenging pieces of work to audiences. For the 2010 Autumn Season a change of direction resulted in two light-hearted productions with a sense of humour and good clean fun. The older members performed Crazy for You, bringing a delightful selection of Gershwin's melodies to the stage in an old fashioned Girl meets Boy story. Musical Director Jill Farrow returned to join Director, Nick Ashton, resulting in some strong vocal work and some of the most exuberant dance sequences ever produced by PYT members.

The Pirates of Penzance (Junior)

This condensed version of Gilbert and Sullivan's whacky and entertaining farce involving pirates, sentimental lovers and dim witted policemen was the perfect show for the younger members. Director Ashley Day and Musical Director Helen Washington succeeded in bringing out some very mature performances from such a young cast. They showed some real musical talent as they tackled the score, and threw themselves into the roles of these ridiculous characters, so loved my many fans of the popular operetta. Audiences responded warmly to some beautifully played humour, and ironic performances from the young PYT members.

Christmas 2009

The Wizard of Oz

Revisiting this popular and long lived musical for the third time in 19 years of PYT productions, Director, Nik Ashton's fresh approach made sure that this Yellow Brick Road was altogether different to those from the past. Musical Director, Benjamin Gudgeon brought his experience and expertise to the show, working with the young cast to produce some polished and tight performances from both the ensemble and the main characters. Tim Lutkin's lighting design added an extra dimension to the atmosphere creating a memorable storm sequence and some impressive effects as Dorothy and her friends made their way to Oz. This production was sold out, proving once again, that tickets to PYT's productions need to be snapped up early if you want to see one of the leading Youth Theatres in the South of England.

Autumn Season 2009

Carmen

PYT's greatest challenge to date - a new and innovative interpretation of Bizet's opera Carmen, with a complex and demanding musical score, was taken on with maturity and courage by the young cast. Staged with a minimalist and atmospheric set, focus was on the performers and their delivery of the emotional, but tragic story of Carmen and her lover Don José. Directed by Nik Ashton, with Nicolas Bloomfield as Musical Director, Tim Lutkin as Lighting Designer and special support from vocal coach, Kate Woolveridge, this production set new standards for PYT, as it continues to push the boundaries of what is achievable with a dedicated production team and committed membership.

Bugsy Malone

An all time favourite with both cast and audiences alike, Bugsy Malone was a popular choice for the second production of the 2009 Autumn Season. Some of the younger PYT members stepped up to fill the shoes of the more seasoned performers, and with splurge guns blazing this show had the look of a professional production. PYT is now renowned for its colourful productions and cleverly staged dance numbers and Bugsy Malone fulfilled everyone's expectations in both these departments.

Christmas 2008

Peter Pan

In December, Nik Ashton adapted J.M. Barrie's story into a musical adventure, and directed a fresh and sparkling production of the classic tale about the boy who never grew up. It's hard to imagine Peter Pan without the principal characters flying to Neverland, and this was achieved with magical effect and help from Flying by Foy. The atmosphere of adventure and drama was created by Tim Lutkin's spectacular lighting design, and the cast performed with their usual professionalism, energy and sense of fun. PYT's Peter Pan was sold out two weeks before opening night, proving that the company's reputation for outstanding productions is spreading far and wide. A donation was made to Great Ormond Street Hospital along with the licence fee, in line with J.M Barrie's request that all Peter Pan royalties should go to his favourite cause.

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