The Young Chorus has been revealed for this year’s giant of a pantomime, Jack and the Beanstalk, after a record number of auditions.
Exeter’s favourite pant dame Steve Bennett is writing, directing and starring in this year’s Christmas show, which opens in November.
Appearing in the 52 performances with the professional cast will be 16 local children split into two teams.
Our 16 talented youngsters saw off strong competition from the nearly 60 hopefuls who attended the open workshop auditions back in May – more than ever before.
They are now preparing for an amazing experience alongside experienced actors in the Northcott-produced professional show, learning songs and rehearsing dance routines.
Northcott Education Officer Lisa Hudson said, “It never fails to astound me when we see the breadth and quality of talent at our open auditions.
“This year our task was particularly hard because of the incredibly high standard of young people.
“We’re really excited to be working with this group of talented singers, dancers and actors this autumn and across the Christmas period.”
The Young Chorus are aged 10 to 14 and represent schools across the county: Teignmouth Community School; Exeter Cathedral School; Uffculme School; West Exe School; St Luke’s Sports and Science College; Newton Abbot College; Chulmleigh Academy; St Leonard’s Primary, Okehampton College; Dawlish Community College; Steiner Academy Exeter; Exmouth Community College and Stover School.
The Northcott is committed to educating and nurturing enthusiastic young performers and currently runs Easter and Summer schools.
There is also a separate Young Company, who are performing Into the Light, a show based on W H Auden’s poem, September 1, 1939, on August 31 and September 1 on the main stage.
For more information on auditions, opportunities visit the theatre’s Education and Outreach page.