Barrow Youth Theatre

The Barrow Youth Theatre was created by a small group of very enthusiastic village members after more and more young people wanted to join the already popular Barrow Panto Group. In October 2003, Carol and Gordon Kenneth set up the Youth Theatre Group with a cast of about 20-25 people; and ever since 2003 this popular young people's groups has not stopped growing and establishing itself as a highly talented young person arts group.

The Youth Theatre was created in order for the young members of the Charnwood area to come together, to put on great shows and to promote individual development. The group gives children the chance to become more involved in the community they live in and more importantly give them the chance to shine as young adults.

Over five years now, the group has said hello and goodbye to new and old members but it keeps on going and helping young people year after year.

Lively and up beat music counts a long way to the making and showing of a musical, and without our Musical Director, Marie Slater, Pianist, David Spiller and the live band the group would not be where it is now.

A mention must go to our amazing wardrobe mistress! Julie and Rose work day and night to make sure that all of the costumes are ready in time for the show. Even on opening night they are still working on last minute alterations and making sure every costume is in tip top condition.

Barrow Youth Theatre is a voluntary organisation, and nobody receives any pay for his or her hard work. The group keeps on going because of the generous people that give up their time to come and help with making teas and coffees at intervals, taking tickets on the door, helping set up chairs and basically any job that needs to be done. These are the unsung heroes of the group, and for their work, a great big massive THANK YOU!

The first production was “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” and was a massive success, with both performances sold out. The confident cast of Olly Cavner as Willy Wonka and Alex Norris as Charlie was bound to be a sure success from the start. The younger members of the group played the colourful Oompa Lumpas superbly with a huge amount of energy and animation.

After the huge achievement of the first show, the group decided to move onto more ambitious projects. The next show was set in stone. “The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe” was in the makings. Auditions started and there was an enormous response after the group had asked if anyone would be interested in helping or performing in the show. This time a cast of around 30 people turned up for auditions. Almost all got parts and stayed on until the show. The production was powered forward again by the big characters of the main actors. Abi Crossley played the Wicked Witch with almost scary resemblance. The four children, who were played by Sam Tyler, Katie Rose, Andy Kenneth and Aimée Crossley, had an almost natural sense around them, and even backstage, they all seemed liked brothers and sisters. And Aslan the ferocious lion was played by the performing arts student genius of 18-year-old Liz Fowler. Because of the big audiences in the first show, the group decided to do three shows, a Friday night, Saturday matinee and a Saturday night. Again they were a success and almost filled the house on all three performances.

Now they were on a roll. This time they thought they would go for an ambitious musical. Honk (The Ugly Duckling) was chosen for it’s casual witty comedy and large number of parts! This time, Carol and Gordon had over 40 eager and keen young people to deal with. Auditions were an adventure to say the least. But after 28 weeks of rehearsals, the show was ready with almost hair splitting accuracy. Honk went on stage on the 18th and 19th of November 2005. The show was a blinding success and the cast and crew were astonished at the amount of thanks they got from adoring audience members. The usual strong group of cast members, Olly, Alex, Abi, Andy, Sam, and Katie were joined by Bobbie-Jo, Melissa and Izzy Fortuin with her mind blowing solo which had most of the audience in near tears.

The Shows so far...

Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
March 2004

The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
November 2004

HONK!
November 2004

Aladdin and the Jungle Book
November 2006

Bugsy Malone
November 2007

This webpage was created by Olly Cavner on behalf of the Barrow Youth Theatre Group. All rights reserved. Copyright 2006. If you have any comments or questions, please e-mail ollycavner@gmail.com.