'Catwalk Circus of Fractured Narratives'

Dressing Up Too

Sherman Cymru Youth Theatre

Sherman Cymru

23^rd Feb 2013

To get nearly 100 young performers on stage is no mean feat, yet Sherman Cymru Youth Theatre’s inventive catwalk show was engaging and unusual. In form and content it covered material that is completely out of the normal comfort zone of other youth theatres. There were no ‘lead roles’ for the star performers, no mediocre chorus – just a group of talented young people who worked together to produce a polished and touching show.

The production explored the dichotomy between what we show on the outside and what is going on inside each of our minds. Described by Head of Creative Learning, Phil Mackenzie, as a ‘catwalk circus of fractured narratives’ the show jumped between each of the five youth theatre academies. Each one having worked on separate narratives that all linked to the theme of social perception and inner turmoil.

A deeper layer of meaning was given to the performance by the presence of a group of elderly citizens who remained onstage throughout. At intervals each would come forward and share a story from their life, often humorous, sometimes tragic. One of the older women amused the audience with her phobia of finding a dead body around every corner and then proceeded to ask ‘do you think I watch too much TV?’

One of the highlights of the night was undoubtedly the story of Harry who is different, quirky, unaccepted by his peers. After a mysterious visit (just like Harry Potter) our Harry goes away to school but this time he is to become a cardboard box. After finishing school Harry becomes a fashion icon and soon everyone is wearing his cardboard creations. Everyone except a young woman brave enough to be different, she’s a tin foil girl. This clever commentary on social media sites such as Twitter and Facebook was light enough for the age group but still touched on the hugely important issues surrounding cyber bullying and isolation. Political theatre from young people is so rare but clearly much needed.

Any casting agents out there should definitely keep their eyes on the members of the oldest group of young performers - Company 4. In their late teens and twenties the group is chock full of focussed and talented actors. Their group work was flawlessly timed and each of their sections was intense and emotional. With plenty of youngsters to take up the mantle this group is sure to be strong for years to come. 

Mention has to be made of the beautiful costume design by Deryn Tudor, combined with hair and makeup by Alice Pattillo that added so much drama to the more traditional theatrical sections. Also the multimedia aspect of the show (John Ingham ) ensured there was a constant visual feast that captivated and intrigued.

For young performers to be given the opportunity to develop such highly polished and professional work is amazing. More importantly however, they all seem to love what they are doing and put their all into giving great performances and making sure everyone there has a great time. With the ages of the young performers ranging from 11-26 the skills they will pick up will be invaluable – confidence, focus and teamwork.

Any young person with an interest in performance should get involved with these groups; they will constantly be creating stimulating work that they can be proud of.

To find out more visit: www.shermancymru.com

To read my interview with Phil Mackenzie : http://hypercriticreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2013/02/you-must-see-this-show.html