Half a century ago A Teenage Opera came into being and now, in 2017, to celebrate its 50th anniversary and the inspirational role its had in the musical theatre industry, Youth Music Theatre UK is putting on the first ever live performance of A Teenage opera. The performances are set to take place South Hill Park Arts Centre, Bracknell from 11th – 13th August.
A teenage opera was the initial conception of record producer Mark Wirtz and Keith West of the band Tomorrow.
Grocer Jack – a song written for the opera,was released July 28th 1967. It was an instant hit. The sngle played continuously throughout the summer. The lyrics, written by West told the tale of a local grocer who was taken for granted until he died. The single was recorded at Abbey Road studios and shortly after release hit number 2 on the UK charts!
The new production of A Teenage Opera, directed by Julie Atherton, will feature this iconic song and many other written by Wirtz and West, alongside new material written by Pete Gallagher.
The Young music Theatre company, as of this year, consists of 300 young musicians and performers, paving the way for the future of musical theatre, it has supported and trained over 8000 talented young performers such as Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lauren Samuels and Charlotte Ritchie.
A Teenage Opera includes over 40 talented performers aged 11-21 years, who were selected from 1,200 young people seen across the UK and Ireland on a national auditions tour.
Find out more here:
Creative Team:
Music & lyrics: Mark Wirtz & Keith West | Book & additional lyrics: Pete Gallagher | Original Concept: Mark Wirtz | Director: Julie Atherton | Choreographer: Stuart Rogers | Musical Supervisor: Michael Bradley | Musical Director: Joe Louis Robinson
Performances:
11 – 13 August | Fri-Sat 7.30pm | Sat-Sun 2.30pm
Adults: £14.00 / Concession: £10.00
Box office: 01344 484 123
Website Booking Link: http://www.southhillpark.org.uk/events/a-teenage-opera/
Glitter or Litter 