Rising Stars: Salopians Take Centre Stage with National Youth Music Theatre

The National Youth Music Theatre is one of the most competitive and prestigious youth companies in the world.

Every year, a huge number of eager applicants – many of whom are already studying at the country’s top conservatoires – audition to take part in their summer programme.

Over the last few years, a steady stream of Salopians have made it into the ranks of the company, as performers, creatives and technical crew. This year, brothers Bob and Shawn L (S, LUVI & UVI)) performed in the NYMT's critically acclaimed production of 'Carousel'. 

'Carousel' is a classic of the 'Golden Age' of Hollywood musicals, including songs such as 'If I loved you' and 'You'll never walk alone'. It is a huge challenge for young performers, with a rich and complex score and some mature and difficult themes. The NYMT's production provided a fresh and exciting take on the story, setting the show on and around a real life carousel in central Birmingham. 

Bob and Shawn took part in an intense rehearsal period over the summer before performing the show to packed audiences in the final week of the holiday. Reflecting on the experience, Bob was grateful for the opportunity of working alongside so many of the country's top young musicians and felt that he and Shawn had learned a huge amount from the show. 

For any musicians catching the Musical Theatre bug, there will be further opportunities to perform this year, as we will be heading up to the Edinburgh Fringe with the latest in our tradition of original Salopian musicals, 'Brodie & Co.'.

Helen Brown

Director of Drama