The 2021 cast of British Youth Musical Theatre’s Goblin Market
Every British Youth Music Theatre production is special but Goblin Market, by composer Conor Mitchell with book and lyrics by Kath Burlinson, is already part of the leading youth company’s history, having last been seen at the George Square Theatre, Edinburgh in 2005.
The Edinburgh Festival Guide said back then: “Goblin Market has all the prime ingredients – a magical fairy tale, a wonderful musical score, and a superb cast who bring the story to life. It’s moralistic, symbolic – but above all, it’s highly entertaining. Vocally, this cast is robust – with ensemble numbers that would put some West End shows to shame! This is Youth Theatre at its best – don’t miss it!”
Now, 16 years later, another exceptionally talented young cast will bring the chamber opera of high energy physical theatre and complex musical harmonies, based on Christina Rossetti’s famous and controversial 1862 poem, to the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford from 26-28 August 2021.
The enchanting production charts the story of two sisters who are tempted by goblin merchant men. Unmissable, tempting, controversial, seductive… can you hear the Goblin call?
Opera, fairy-tale and musical theatre all combine to immerse the audience into the vivid and mysterious Goblin world full of magic, temptations and new decisions.
The 2005 cast of Goblin Market included Bradley Jaden and James Gant
Director of the current production of Goblin Market, Gerard Jones, was eager to work with the company for a second time: “Theatre centres on shared experiences, both for the audience and the performers. BYMT’s work gives this experience to the young people involved in its shows, and to us creatives working closely with them. I wanted to work again with the company since the first time I directed a piece there. That show had one of the very best group bonds I’ve ever experienced among cast and crew, and I’m sure that will be the same again with this darkly exciting piece.”
BYMT has been nurturing young talent for nearly 17 years and hundreds of their alumni have found their way into creative industry, including performers from Goblin Market 2005 like Bradley Jaden (Wicked, Les Misérables) and James Gant (Les Misérables, The Phantom of The Opera).
Tara Wilcox, who is now the singer in London-based alt-country/folk Americana group Wandering Hearts, played Laura in the 2005 production.
So what was the experience like? “Goblin Market and BYMT were quite simply life changing. For the first time in my life, I felt like I really belonged and met some wonderful friends there who are still very much a part of my life. More than that, at a young age, it was clear that my life would always be one in music. I owe such a lot to this production and can’t wait to see Kath & Conor’s work come to life again!”
Part of a new generation of future musical theatre stars, 18-year-old Grace Murray [pictured] from Market Drayton, Shropshire will take on the same role nearly two decades later:
“I’m enjoying every second of rehearsals. It’s so rewarding to take part in a show where everyone is as dedicated to the project as to each other, which also comes from the incredible score and an amazing team of creatives.”
Back in 2005 BYMT’s production of Goblin Market was acclaimed by press and public alike and it looks like the 2021 interpretation is heading for similar success, once again setting new standards of excellence in youth theatre.
So shall we leave the final word to BYMT patron Zoë Wanamaker?: “Goblin Market is a chamber opera like no other that stands out from other BYMT shows.
“With complex musical harmonies, it reveals the unlimited imagination and enthusiasm of its young cast, who will at last unleash their incredible talent after many months of confinement. It promises to be a truly spectacular show.”
- Goblin Market runs at theYvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford from 26-28 August 2021. Tickets available HERE.
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