We think that GYTS is AMAZING but don't just take our word for it - see what everyone else thinks of the society here!

 Check out reviews of past productions and press coverage here:

 

CRAZY FOR YOU (2011)

Review of Crazy For You - Grantham Journal - August 2011:

If you are at all worried about going to see a musical that has been rehearsing for only one week, then don't be. This year's production by Grantham Youth Theatre Society, 'Crazy for You', is every bit as polished as a show that has been rehearsing for months. Complex dance sequences, choreographed by Luke Musson and Sophie Knowles, and strong vocal performances from the effervescent and enthusiastic cast make this a 'must see' performance.

Audiences will be delighted to hear such well known songs as 'Embraceable you' and 'They can't take that away from me', expertly delivered by lead singers James Burrows and Lucy Keirl, as well as the admirable close harmony of cowboy trio Rowena Perry, Augusta Lees and Cathryn Garner. The singers are supported by a fine band, capably directed by Cambridge University student, Oliver Pashley.

Our young people from Grantham have shown great dedication and commitment in putting this toe tapping show together, and can be thoroughly congratulated for their enthusiasm and expertise in providing the audience with a memorable and entertaining evening out.

 

NODA also reviewed Crazy For You:

With just one week of rehearsal, GYTS delivered this amazing production based on songs written by George and Ira Gershwin. Their show was staged 'in the round' which afforded the audience the opportunity to witness at close quarters the extensive skills that these extremely talented young people have acquired in the performing arts. Richard Baker's direction ensured that all the stage space was well used and this was particularly helpful to the dancers in their lively and splendid interpretation of Luke Musson's exciting choreography. A large cast is required for this show and there were competent performances from all, especially James Burrows (Bobby Child), Ossian Huskinson (Bela Zangler) and Lucy Keirl (Polly Baker). It contains numerous songs that have become popular because of the beautifully composed tunes and well-crafted lyrics - these were all performed to a very high standard, including my favourites "Someone to watch over me" and "They can't take that away from me". I was very impressed with the superb vocal talents of the Cowboy trio. Oliver Pashley did a splendid job controlling the nineteen piece band which provided wonderful musical accompaniments. As everything is on display, this show requires pace, and speedy changes to the set by the efficient stage crew helped maintain this. This was great musical theatre, my congratulations to every member of the team.

 

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (2010)

Review of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum - Grantham Journal - 27th August 2010:

"On Wednesday evening, accompanied by my young assistant, 6 year old Abby, I attended Grantham Youth Theatre Society's (GYTS) production of 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum' at Grantham College. The society comprises the cream of young local theatrical talent - actors, dancers, singers, musicians, directors and choreographers, not to mention all the backstage crew - none of whom are over 30 (except possibly for a couple of the musicians who looked decidedly mature!) 

The show, not unexpectedly, is set in ancient Rome, though with characters such as Erronius and lines like 'She has the pelvis of a camel' it is not the ancient Rome as portrayed in the history books- definitely more 'Up Pompeii' with singing and dancing than 'I Claudius'.

But the singing, dancing and acting were all first class and there were some extremely mature performances particularly from James Coleman (Pseudolus), Adam Bishop (Erronius), Bill Davies (Miles Gloriosus), Lucy Keirl (Domina) and Anna Wilson (Marca Lyca), although it seems unfair not to mention many of the others who contributed so ably in making this such an enjoyable production.

It was lively, it was fun and it had the sort of convoluted story line normally found only in the best Ray Cooney or Brian Rix farce. My young assistant may not have understood all the innuendo, but she also loved the show- proving that it is one for all ages. The production is set in the round with the audience seated at all tables, so close to the performing space you are almost part of it.

Costumes, music, lighting were all first class, and the respective production teams under the overall direction of the brilliant Hannah Coleman are to be congratulated"

 

NODA Review of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum:

This play, based on the comedies of the playwright Plautus, tells of the devious attempts by Pseudolus, a slave, to obtain his freedom. Performed in the round, it made the audience feel they were very much part of this rumbustious Roman romp. Indeed there were times you felt the need to check that your *subligaculum was secure, for such was the pace of this performance. This society is rapidly establishing a reputation for attaining very high standards, the dramatic action was superb, the costumes were of authentic design, the choreography was varied and very well executed, the accompaniment provided by the orchestra was excellent and the songs delivered with style, and all this being achieved after just over a week of rehearsals. There is much evidence of the contribution that the Romans made to our civilisation that answers the question, "What did the Romans do for us?" What we can definitely say about GYTS is their team effort provided first class entertainment with this production.

* A type of under garment worn by men and women in ancient Rome.

 

 THE BOY FRIEND (2009)

Grantham Journal Review of 'The Boy Friend' can be found below:

"Twenties feel to glitzy show":

"WOW, what a show! From the moment Hortense (Leonie Spilsbury) comes on to set the scene and the orchestra, under the conduction of Tim Williams, plays the overture, you just know that Grantham Youth Theatre's production of The Boy Friend is going to be a success. Played in the round with the audience sitting at tables, the show directed by Hannah Coleman, has a wonderful cosy and informal feel to it.

Set in and around Madam Dubonnet's finishing school during the inter-war period, the show oozes all the vitality of the age of the flapper girl, men in striped blazers and Oxford bags, when everyone spoke with terribly, terribly posh accents and the music was all Charleston and black bottom played by the big bands of the era.

The story line is essentially about a group of young female students trying to find boyfriends with one, the heroine Polly Browne, having to invent one to appease her wealthy father who believes that boys are only interested in her for her money. But it turns out that Mr Browne senior and Mdm Dubonnet had a fling during the war and sparks also fly amongst the older generation.

GYTS got the essence of the production spot on in every sense. The costumes, sound and lighting were extremely well done and the acting, singing and dancing were all excellent with so many strong performances that it would be unfair to single out individuals for fear of missing someone out. It's just wonderful to realise that so much young talent abounds in Grantham."

 

NODA also reviewed The Boy Friend:

"This show was presented to a capacity audience that well appreciated the energy and enthusiasm of the young cast (aged 16 to 30). Although performed in the round without scenery the judicious use of props and costumes ensured that the audience were made aware of the locations at which the activities were supposed to be taking place. It has to be acknowledged that the fine lyrics to the songs in this show also greatly assist in conveying the story line. There was a very good balance of sound levels between the singers and the orchestra, this, together with clear diction and projection from the actors meant the audience was kept in touch with all that was going on. The dance routines were innovative and well executed with the participants retaining smiles on their faces that gave the impression that they really were a vivacious and fun-loving crowd. The standard of acting was high with some very good characterisation, particularly from Leonie Spilsbury as Hortense, Cathryn Garner as Madame Dubonnet and Bill Davies with Anna Wilson as Lord and Lady Brockhurst. Special mention must be made of Hannah Coleman who directed the show with limited rehearsal time and then was also required to undertake a major role in the production, as a member of the cast was suddenly unavailable. Well done all concerned for providing such uplifting entertainment."
 

 HOT MIKADO (2008)

This review was published in the 2009 Spring Edition of the NODA East Midlands Magazine:

"Only founded in March 2008, and very new members of NODA, YTS's debut musical was extremely enjoyable. The age range of the 17 young people in the cast ranges from 16 - 30. The standard of singing by both the chorus and the principals was excellent and the lively, varied choreography shone. We even saw the Mikado join in a tap routine! The scenery consisted of broad banners bearing Japanese-style writing and the small stage was augmented by an area similar in size in front of it. The costumes suited the modern image of this exciting show. All the principal roles were very well played indeed. Bill Davies' portrayal of Ko Ko was especially memorable; his facial expressions spoke volumes! My overall impression was of great enthusiasm, fun and plenty of talent from the group and much appreciation from the audience."