Search is on for male lead for nationwide competition production

THAME Youth Theatre’s rehearsals are underway for a National Theatre Connections Project that will see some of the group’s talented members perform at the North Wall Theatre in Oxford and possibly at the National Theatre in London.

The production has been cast but TYT are still searching for a male lead to play the part of David in the play called Take Away by Jackie Kay, described as ‘A poetic ensemble piece about a community who pay the price for refusing to keep their promise. ‘

Take Away tells the story of a town which is in the grip of onions; everyone is doing what they can to get their fix. Darcus, a travelling poet, turns up and offers to rid the town of the onions with his rhymes, for a small fee.

Over the next term, TYT will be rehearsing Take Away which will be performed at their home venue, the new Phoenix Performing Arts Studio at Lord Williams’s Lower School, Thame, between April 6 – 9.  A guest director from the National Theatre will come and watch and then, if successful, TYT will compete against other groups at The North Wall Arts Centre in May. From there, 10 groups nationally will be invited to perform at the National in London’s West End!

“An AMAZING project”

Thomas Mackriell, TYT’s Youth Arts Development Manager, said: “ Connections is such a unique and exciting project for our members to take part in. The access to some of the nations top playwrights and theatre makers, and to the National, helps challenge and develop the youth theatre and give an opportunity for our members that they will never forget. Rehearsals are going very well and we have a fantastic cast directed by Clare Gosling.

“This project also allows us to open our doors to many new members across our community and we would love any 13 – 19 year olds to get in touch if they fancy a chance to perform, as we are also looking to add a few more to our ensemble cast at the National Theatre.

For more information or to express an interest, contact Tom Mackriell (Youth Arts Development Manager) on 07805 885846 or admin@thameyouththeatre.co.uk.