Performing its annual concert performance at Sinfonia Smith Square, the National Youth Music Theatre: Christmas Celebration is a tour of its music theatre year, featuring excerpts from the core productions from 2024 and a few festive favourites. A collective endeavour that brings together over 400 young people around the country, only a fraction of whom are able to appear on the stage, this two-hour mix of solos and duets, group pieces and songs for the choir is an opportunity for the NYMT to showcase and reflect on the talent of its young stars in the making.
Directed by Kate Golledge, the Head of New Work, this one-night-only concert actually puts its young stars at the centre of every element of the performance, sharing compere duties and giving many of them a chance to speak about their experience with the NYMT and the shows they have been part of this year. It is an inspired move, one that reveals the breadth and accomplishments of this company far better than any adult could, and crucially builds a much closer connection with the audience as each of the 15 numbers is accompanied by a personal story and meaning.
And the entertaining stories are there from the start when Des (no last names are given) explains how he manifested his leading role in the NYMT’s production of Our House and, in Act Two, takes part in a version of Baggy Trousers that spills energetically into the aisles, a rare opportunity to display the dance talent on stage. Several members of this young company have lovely stories about hearing what roles they would play – although Freddie’s lads’ trip to a sunny island stands out before he leads an enjoyably competitive rendition of Agony from Into the Woods with his co-Prince co-star.
But this is also an opportunity for the NYMT to remind audiences of their work across the professional spectrum, from Rebecca taking an eight-hour coach from East Lothian to audition and again to perform in this concert to returning alumnus Rosie who spent seven years in this company before graduating to a role in Les Miserables, here singing Walking in a Winter Wonderland. There is even a Christmas star making a brief appearance at the end of the show; Callum Scott Howells discusses his time with the NYMT before leading the show’s finale, Hark the Herald Angel Sing.
Underpinning these opportunities for young talent, CEO Adrian Packer and Artistic Director Chris Cuming are keen to stress the new Platform Company helping bridge the gap between the NYMT and professional entry into industry and the Readers’ Panel giving members of the Company experience not only of reviewing the 40 or so new musicals created every year but the chance to perform in some of them. With members appearing at this performance heading to university degrees on full scholarships and the announcement of new shows for 2025, the fast-approaching 50th anniversary of the National Youth Music Theatre will have both much to celebrate and plenty more to look forward to.
Reviewed on 8 December 2024
