REMEMBER Educating Yorkshire, the Channel 4 documentary following the lives of staff and pupils at a Dewsbury school?
Now it has inspired a new musical, which will premiere at Calderdale’s Square Chapel venue next month.
Performed by British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT), the production follows the ups and downs of students negotiating daily life at a West Yorkshire community Academy.
The humour, angst and warmth of teenage school life is portrayed with song and dance numbers performed by an impressive young cast.
The show is part of a summer season by BYMT - a leading musical theatre company for young people aged 11-21 - which features eight musicals presented in venues across the country in August.
Earlier this year BYMT auditioned in the region for Educating Yorkshire, and the cast includes some local young performers.
Creators Adam Howell, and Paul Hurt say: “The television documentary series of Educating Yorkshire was both extremely funny and unbelievably sad - something we think is essential for creating terrific theatre.
“And if music and songs that underline, highlight and accentuate the characters and their stories are introduced into the mix, there is the possibility of creating something really special. We hope you enjoy the show as much as we enjoyed working on it!”
Described as “a heart-warming and entertaining look into a transformative period in young people’s lives”, Educating Yorkshire runs at the Square Chapel theatre in Halifax from August 5-7.
Visit britishyouthmusictheatre.org/shows/educating-yorkshire
l NOBODY tells you about the realities of motherhood...until it’s too late. Whether you’ve left the house without your bra on, cried in the supermarket, or secretly thought you’ve given birth to ET, you won’t feel alone when you go and see Mum’s the Word - the mother of all comedies - at St George’s Hall on October 10.
The heartwarming show, performed by EastEnders star Gemma Bissix and comic actresses Sarah Dearlove and Amy Ambrose, celebrates the ‘beauty’ of bringing new life into the world...then forgetting where you left it.
This rollercoaster comedy navigates the trials and joys of motherhood, sharing stories that all mothers will be familiar with. Group therapy - with laughs-a-plenty.
Says producer Anna Anikeyeva: “As a mum-to-be, this show has me both splitting at the sides and overwhelmed with emotion. It’s everything I didn’t know me and my friends needed.”
l OVER at St George’s Hall, drag royalty is about to sashay across the stage...
Rupaul’s Drag Race UK: The Official Series 3 Tour features all 12 queens from Series Three of the hit BBC3 show.
Expect the unexpected in this glittering show which will include finalists Kitty Scott-Claus, Krystal Versace, Vanity Milan and Ella Vaday.
Catch the show at St George’s Hall on Wednesday, August 31.
l WITH Bradford Theatres venues going dark over summer, and the city’s autumn season already announced in the T&A, let’s look ahead to shows heading our way in 2023. Tickets are already on sale, so look sharp.
Shall We Dance? Much-loved musical The King and I will be waltzing onto the Alhambra stage (April 11-15), following a smash hit run on Broadway and at the London Palladium.
Set in 1860s Bangkok, the Rodgers & Hammerstein favourite is the story of the tempestuous relationship between the King of Siam and Anna Leonowens, a British schoolteacher employed by the modernist King, in an imperialistic world, to teach his many wives and children. With a classic score, including Whistle a Happy Tune, Getting to Know You and Shall We Dance, The King and I is right up there in the lavish heritage of gloriously romantic musical theatre - the greatest musical from the golden age of musicals.
Says producer Howard Panter: “We are delighted to take this majestic multi award-winning production on a major UK and international tour in 2023. The London Palladium season saw critical plaudits, box office records and standing ovations at every show - we were overwhelmed with the rapturous response. This really is musical theatre at its very best.”
Another Alhambra highlight is An Inspector Calls (May 9-13), Stephen Daldry’s acclaimed National Theatre production of JB Priestley’s timeless thriller.
When Inspector Goole arrives unexpectedly at the prosperous Birling family home, their peaceful dinner party is shattered by his investigations into the death of a young woman. His startling revelations shake the foundations of their lives - and challenge us all to examine our consciences.
There’s family fun in Broadway and West End hit Shrek The Musical (October 24-28, 2023), featuring the loveable green ogre, his sweetheart Princess Fiona, and all their lively pals from the much-loved DreamWorks animation movies.
l Tickets for Bradford Theatres shows are on (01274) 432000 or bradford-theatres.co.uk
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here