The Alexandra theatre in Birmingham is marking 20 years of Stage Experience with musical West Side Story this week. The youth project includes Joe Lycett and stage star Liam Doyle among its alumni.
Theatre lovers can watch young talent in West Side Story from Thursday(August 14) to Saturday(August 16).
Featuring a score by Stephen Sondheim and Leonard Bernstein, there’s iconic songs including I Feel Pretty, Somewhere, America and Tonight all performed by over 70 young talents from the Midlands, aged from nine to 24.
Stage Experience started out as the Summer Youth Project in 2003 with Guys and Dolls at The Alexandra when it was directed and choreographed by industry professional Pollyann Tanner.
Over two decades and twenty productions later, Pollyann continues to bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the project, stunning audiences with unforgettable performances of legendary shows including Annie, The Sound of Music, and contemporary classics like Footloose and Bring It On.
Previous participants have gone on to become household names including comedian Joe Lycett, and theatre star Liam Doyle of Mamma Mia and Wicked on stage fame.
With a focus on developing skills in a fast-paced commercial theatre, gaining confidence and forming long lasting memories and friendships, Stage Experience has been open to all individuals aged 9 – 24 for 20 years and continues its mission this year; welcoming and platforming the theatre stars of tomorrow such as local performer Heaven Okah.
Playing the iconic role of Anita, Heaven, a 19-year-old from Sandwell, said: “This is my first time doing Stage Experience, and it honestly feels like a dream come true. Being given the chance to take on such a powerful, iconic role in a production at The Alexandra is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”
Another Midlands-based performer, 17-year-old Hudson Mansour-Webb from Coventry, who is playing leader of the Sharks, Bernardo, said: “This will be my first time performing with Stage Experience and I am genuinely thrilled to be stepping out onto the stage where many talented professionals have stood before me.
“I’m also very grateful to have received a bursary, which has given me the opportunity to take part without any financial worries for my mom. West Side Story has been a favourite musical of mine since I was small, and while I may not have understood the story back then, the catchy songs and balletic dance style inspired my desire to perform.”
Tickets are available from £15 at The Alexandra website here.