Young People’s Theatre Newcastle

News

Spotlight On: The Making of A Pocketful of Stories, Playwright’s Perspective 5-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2023 Written by: Claire Thomas, playwright of A Pocketful of Stories. Foreword by Chelsea Willis. Pictured: Gabe Widseth, onstage as the author in A Pocketful of Stories.  Join us for a three part Blog series, … Read more

Get your ducks in a row these holidays at YPT with a creative half day workshop all about Honk JR. – The delightful musical story of the Ugly Duckling! Students will begin their workshop with a visit to YPT custom built theatre where they will watch a performance of our September production of ‘Honk JR.’. … Read more

Spotlight On: The Making of A Pocketful of Stories, Playwright’s Perspective 5-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, August 2023 Written by: Claire Thomas, playwright of A Pocketful of Stories. Foreword by Chelsea Willis. Pictured: Jensen Nicholson, who plays the author in A Pocketful of Stories.  Join us for a three part Blog series, … Read more

These school holidays sing and dance your way through an iconic musical in just 3 hours! Develop singing technique and performance skills while exploring character work through dance and song!  During the workshop students will learn about effective vocal and physical warmups, dance and sing their way through exciting choreography for a piece from a … Read more

These school holidays come with us on an exciting adventure into the world of Unicorns and Dinosaurs!  During this half-day workshop students will explore puppetry, character work and storytelling through drama games, activities, and creative play. Students will also have the opportunity to create a Unicorn or Dinosaur puppet of their choosing! This workshop is … Read more

Let it Go these holidays with a creative half day workshop centred around the land of Arendelle and its magical characters! Students will begin their workshop with a visit to YPT custom built theatre where they will watch a performance of our July production of ‘Frozen JR.’. Participants will have the opportunity to meet with … Read more

Spotlight On: 50 Years at 26 Lindsay Street, Hamilton 5-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, May 2023 Written by: Chelsea Willis using YPT archives Pictured: Front exterior of YPT building from the YPT archives.  Monday May 15 is a very significant day, as it is 50 years to the day, that YPT purchased … Read more

Spotlight On: The Lion, The Witch, The Wardrobe (A History)
5-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, May 2023
Written by: Chelsea Willis 
Pictured: The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe in 2010 featuring Ben Stuart, Claudia King, Hannah King and Stephanie Cunliffe – Jones 

The enchanting tale of “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” has captivated audiences young and old for decades. As part of the 75th-anniversary celebration at the Young People’s Theatre (YPT), this beloved production graced the stage for the fourth time;

  • 1991, directed by Don McEwen
    our first production of the much loved tale and performed as the musical version, featuring our favorite song ‘Turkish Delight’. Wendy Leis, who is currently a YPT Patron and on our Executive Committee also assisted with this production.
  • 2001, directed by Wendy Leis and Daniel Wilson
    featuring one of our current directors Evan Booth in the role of Aslan and Greg Shearer, our Appointed Officer for set construction as Professor Kirk. A quick glance at the cast list shows that many cast members have gone on to have careers in the entertainment industry.
  • 2010, directed by Barbara Delaney   
    featuring many current tutors of the organization such as Matt and Ollie Abel, Clara and Louise Barcan, Maddie Newland and Maddie Watts and many of our recent alumni  who have gone off to have very successful careers in the industry
  • 2023, directed by Maddie Newland
    our current production and also the first time we have done the play version of this much loved tale. This was great opportunity for students wanting to focus on their acting skills to be involved.

YPT has a long-standing relationship with this beloved production. The decision to revive “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” for the fourth time is a testament to its enduring popularity and the treasured memories it holds for both the YPT community and its audience.

Two of our Directing Team, Maddie Newland and Louise Barcan, were in previous iterations of the play (White Witches Rabble 2010) , and therefore bring a unique understanding and appreciation for the story and its characters. This personal connection ensures that the essence and magic of the original productions are preserved while infusing it with new energy and creativity.

The timing of this production was perfectly planned as it aligns with the Young People’s Theatre’s 75th anniversary. This milestone is a testament to the theatre’s commitment to providing exceptional theatrical experiences for young people and showcasing their talents. “The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe” holds a special place in the hearts of YPT’s loyal patrons, and its return for the 75th anniversary is a celebration of the theatre’s rich history and enduring success.

Close up image of Mr Tumnus shelf. What can you spot?

Maddie Newland has a very specific vision for this production which acknowledged our 75th anniversary.

“As the production is being staged for the 75th anniversary of the theatre, I decided to include little nostalgic pieces of set and costumes that have been used in the past. The idea being as if the items had floated in or made their way to Narnia the same way the Penvensie children did. These are small, not enough to distract from the overall look of the show, but enough that a student or alumni might see a trinket on Mr Tumnus’s shelf that they once held, or a costume piece they once used. Keep your eyes peeled throughout the production and see if you notice any of these YPT references.”

I personally noticed the potion bottles from our 2021 production of ‘The Addams Family, Y@P’ which Grandma carried around during the show, and of course as to be expected, the stump makes an appearance.

As the the production comes to take its final bows on the weekend, (to sold out audiences) we would love to thank the community for the continue support of Young Peoples Theatre, and coming along to see The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, perhaps for the fourth time. We have loved welcoming alumni back to relive the memories all over again.

And if you are missing the songs which did not feature in the 2023 play version… you can listen to them here:

 

The Lion, The Witch and the Wardrobe plays at YPT Theatre until Saturday 13 May in celebration of YPT’s 75th anniversary. If you would like to make a donation to support YPT’s $75000 for 75 years campaign, you can do so here

 

 

YPT Family: Meet our new tutor, Brynn  3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, May 2023 Questions by: Hannah Richens  Pictured: Brynn at YPT (above) and Brynn performing in YPT’s recent productions (below) YPT is thrilled to welcome the Brynn officially to the YPT Tutoring team. Brynn was a participant in our Beginner Tutor … Read more

YPT Family: Meet our new tutor, Jade 3-minute read // Published by Young Peoples Theatre, May 2023 Questions by: Hannah Richens  Pictured: Jade at YPT (above) and Jade performing in YPT’s recent productions (below) YPT is thrilled to welcome the Jade officially to the YPT Tutoring team. Jade was a participant in our Beginner Tutor … Read more