productions...

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Autumn Season 2008

The Silver Sword

PYT had the great privilege to work with the composer Richard Taylor on his adaptation of The Silver Sword by Ian Serraillier. Based on the true story of four young people travelling across Europe in the 1940s, from war torn Warsaw to freedom in Switzerland where they are re-united with their parents, it is an epic adventure and a moving tribute to the bravery of refugees world wide. The action was constantly moving with a cast of 80 representing the many displaced people. Richard Taylor's score was uplifting and vocally demanding, but the young cast rose to the challenge and the production was one of the most atmospheric and moving productions ever performed by PYT. The Silver Sword was reviewed as an "Unforgettable PYT Triumph".

Alice in Wonderland

Based on the 1952 Disney film this production contained familiar favourite songs such as "Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah" and "I'm Late" and proved a perfect production for the younger PYT members. It was sheer mad fun from beginning to end as Alice journeyed through Wonderland encountering some weird happenings and meeting the strangest of creatures.

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Christmas 2007

For the first time PYT produced a Christmas show open to the public and rehearsed over 5 weeks of the Autumn Term. Follow the Star was open to every member who auditioned and the cast numbered over one hundred.

Follow the Star

The musical Follow the Star provided the perfect opener for the Christmas Season. With plenty of opportunities for audience participation, this fresh look at the nativity story featured all the familiar characters, but with a humorous twist. God is known as Olly, Angel Gabriel is Gabby and Angy, Jelly and Lofty are three accompanying angels, whose job is to guide the Wise Men and the Shepherds to the crib. Herod is a traditional pantomime baddy and suffers humiliation at the hands of the audience. PYT once again provided the opportunity for all members to take part in a public performance of the highest standard. Renowned cartoonist, Peter Plant, donated an eye-catching cartoon for the publicity material, reflecting the light hearted approach to the Christmas Story.

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Autumn Season 2007

West Side Story

When West Side Story opened on Broadway in September 1957 it set a new standard for musicals, and in this 50th Anniversary year PYT's production faithfully reproduced the evocative theme, exciting choreography and the memorable music. Directed and choreographed by Nik Ashton, and with musical direction by Jonathan Gill, the talented cast rose to the challenge of this energetic and ground breaking musical. Audiences were transported to the streets of New York to experience the racial tension and gang warfare of the Jets and the Sharks, which is skilfully intertwined with the tragic love story of Tony and Maria. Anne Pinhey wrote; "Another stunning production from PYT who go from strength to strength. West Side Story was an ideal vehicle for the talented members, and their production would have graced any London stage".

The Wind in the Willows

PYT commissioned this delightful production of The Wind in the Willows with music and Lyrics by Richard Taylor. The set featured the riverbank with silhouetted bulrushes against a deep blue cyclorama, and a multi-purpose gigantic tree trunk which transformed into Mole or Rat's house. Excellent lighting, imaginative costumes and strong characterisations from the cast helped to create a memorable production. Reviewing the show, Tom Muckley wrote; "Enchanting. No other word will possibly do to describe the Petersfield Youth Theatre's version of The Wind in the Willows. The enchantment began as soon as we entered the theatre. We were soon introduced to the riverbank characters, welcoming the arrival of Spring with a tune that haunts me still".

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Spring Season 2007

A new addition to the PYT Calendar the 2007 Spring Season featured two productions providing more performance opportunities for our older members.

Starting Out

A challenging repertoire of songs, rich in harmony, by a wide range of composers including Sondheim, Bernstein, Kander and Ebb and Stiles and Drewe, Starting Out allowed the cast to find new levels of maturity, as they delivered some difficult musical numbers with outstanding technique. A simple but beautifully lit set, and clever choreography complimented the performances to create a memorable evening of music and voice.

The Exam

Written by Andy Hamilton, (Drop the Dead Donkey) The Exam is a comedy and follows the build up of tension as three very different sixteen year olds prepare for a re-take of an exam. They have to cope with their self-doubt, incompetent staff and parental pressure. The PYT cast showed natural ability in portraying the teenagers' amusing idiosyncrasies and the varied and questionable attitudes from the parents and staff.

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