Sidmouth Youth theatre is incredibly excited to announce its 47th production at The Manor Pavilion in 37 years.

‘The Show Will Go On’ will rise like a Phoenix out of the flames of the pandemic where over 100 young people will take you on a journey to the West End, featuring songs from 20 shows old and new.

The cast will move around in time and place to entertain where there promises to be something for everyone. So many different music styles and challenges are being tackled in rehearsals with huge energy and enthusiasm from all involved.

Director Angela Davies said ‘A year without a Youth Theatre production has felt very strange but we are back and ready to explode on the Manor Pavilion stage. We will revisit ‘Les Miserables’ and ‘We Will Rock You’ and share the delights of ‘Matilda’ and, ‘Lion King’ and introduce you to many new musicals such as ‘Dear Evan Hansen’, ‘Hamilton’, ‘Six’, ‘Cinderella’ and ‘Back to the Future’. This is just a small selection of the featured shows.’

This young cast will be supported by alumni from the past who have featured in leading roles over the years, these include Nikki Mae who played the role of Blousy in ‘Bugsy Malone’ and Eponine in our 2005 production of ‘Les Miserables’ along with Cara Shepherd. Matt Colson who featured in ‘Blitz’ and in ‘Let’s Celebrate and Dream’ in 2015, Hannah Thompson who played the role of Annie in ‘Ragged Child’ and Young Cosette in ‘Les Miserables’. She also featured in ‘Let’s Celebrate and Dream’ bringing Glinda from Wicked and Elle Brooks from ‘Legally Blonde’ to life. Myles Reed, remembered for his ‘Hand Jive’ along with Mark Rose and Molly Morton as Kenickie and Frenchie in ‘Grease’. Sammy and Jess Morris who appeared in many shows, notably in ‘Showtime 3’ as Glinda and Elphaba in an extract from ‘Wicked’. Jai Prettejohn who began playing in the pit band and joined the cast on stage in ‘Showtime 3’, Jamie Taylor, along with Lauren Brewster who played Mr Bumbles and Nancy in ‘Oliver!’ and Cameron Retter who has been more recently The Tin Man in ‘The Wiz’ and the Tormentor in our last production ‘Korczak’.

The idea to ask past members to join us grew from a feeling of celebrating what the Youth Theatre is all about and how it lives on long after members leave. It was gratifying that so many were excited to be asked and excited to perform again. It will be a wonderful experience for the younger cast members to see what they might achieve in the future as every one of the alumni started in the chorus and developed their skills gaining roles as they grew in stature through the years.

Sidmouth Youth Theatre is back and hoping to have your continued support as we launch our exciting production of 'The Show Will Go On' in February at The Manor Pavilion.

Last year was the first year without a show for 35 years, because of the coronavirus pandemic and with everything crossed this show will go ahead.

With over 90 young people involved and 15 alumni this is the largest cast since 'Let's Celebrate and Dream' in 2015 where we marked 30 years of the Sidmouth Youth Theatre.

Don’t miss this exhilarating show that will lift your spirits and celebrate the talent of the young people in Sidmouth.

Get tickets for ‘The Show Will Go on’ running from 6th – 12th February at 7.30pm with a 2.00pm Matinee on the 12th available online from the Sidmouth Manor Pavilion website or by phone 01395 514413. Prices Adults £13.00 and Under 16’s £6.50