Another week, another end of academic year celebration, this time showcasing the talents of Leeds Grand Youth Theatre. I recently saw The Maladies, which was presented by the alumni of Leeds Actors In Training, featuring the age group 18-25; Leeds Grand Youth Theatre comprises the younger aspiring actors in the 8-18 bracket. Both of these fine courses are run by Lizi Patch, who seems to be on a one-person mission to ensure the survival of the theatre for decades to come, having been Artistic Director of LGYT since its inception in 2012. Her record of achievement in this organisation is available to peruse at https://leedsheritagetheatres.com/take-part/young-people/youth-theatre/ along with those of her colleagues, Dawn Holgate: Choreographer and Pete Rosser: Musical Director. All three were obviously heavily involved in the production of Charlie and the Chocolate Factory.
Willy Wonka
The above link will also reveal the ways in which youngsters can enrol for the coming year, as well as showing a trailer. I have said it before, but the theatre is far more than standing on a stage and delivering your lines, just as important as the thespian aspect, is the personal development associated with the intermingling of young people from different backgrounds and the nurturing of self-confidence and assurance during their formative years, hopefully ensuring their ability to cope more easily with life’s day-to-day situations.
To be brutally honest, which is my job after all, I doubt this show will trouble the judges of the Olivier Awards, but that is not the point. LGYT has garnered a Scope Inclusive Activity Award, which demonstrates their commitment to welcome young people with access requirements, for whatever reason. A prime example was an actor in Charlie, who read their lines from the script and got the best audience reaction of the night. Not due to sympathy, or even empathy, but because they delivered them with such feeling and gusto, that those who were obviously just reciting the words were put to shame.
Charlie
Similarly with the singing, which was, shall we say, variable, and the dancing, where timing was an individual option, the enthusiasm and sheer love put into the piece more than compensated for the technical shortfalls.
The main characters in the show were at the upper end of the age group, so I could better judge them on their performances. Again, there was a variation in standard, but recently I have found that to be the case in professional productions, so no great quibbles on that front. As is my wont in these types of amateur shows, I will not critique by name, especially as the age range takes us from young child to legal adult, as it would not be fair.
Charlie recruiting Grandad to take him to the Chocolate Factory.
Far more important than my cynical old man’s view, was that of the audience, especially the children, who seemed to love the show, being quite animated during the musical numbers, especially the one behind me kicking the back of my seat. At least they weren’t constantly consulting their mobile phones, as those at grown up shows tend to do. I suppose they’ll learn!
Should I still be around in ten or so years’ time, I am sure that, if invited, I will see some of the beginners from tonight performing in their end of year production for Leeds Actors In Training, hopefully still being guided on their way by the same magnificent team.
Whatever becomes of them, all of the participants have had their moment in the spotlight, something Ms Patch is very good at providing, and they can tell their own children that they once appeared in front of a capacity audience at one of the most iconic theatres in the country. How many of us can say that.
Tyke It To The Limit 