WA Youth Theatre Company hit the UK stage

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London’s Sadler’s Wells Theatre recently played host to the world premiere of new Australian musical In the Shadow of a Gum Tree, presented by Western Australia’s dynamic youth theatrical body, the Midnite Youth Theatre Company (MYTC).

Led by award-winning Director, Tony Howes, the performance which took place on 20th January forms part of the MYTC’s 2010 tour of England and Wales. It also marks an important occasion for Christchurch Grammar School which is celebrating  its centenary in 2010. The MYTC is the performing arts wing of the school.

In the Shadow of a Gum Tree, based on the ‘Pagliacci’ opera story, follows a small troupe of travelling players who arrive in an outback town of Western Australia where the dark side of their personal lives unravel against the backdrop of a hilarious mix of ‘theatrical types’ and ‘country bumpkin’ characters.

The MYTC has toured the UK biennially since 1988 bringing WA-produced, quality theatre seasons to the international stage in showcasing the talented young people of both the Christ Church Grammar School community and the young people of the wider community of the City of Perth and Western Australia.

This year’s production was of added significance marking the final tour for Mr Howes who has been Director of Drama and Media at Christchurch Grammar School since 1986. Mr Howes, a Trustee of the Perth Theatre Trust and a consultant to the Edith Cowan University School of Communication, will retire at the end of the UK tour.

His Excellency Dr Ken Michael AC, Governor of Western Australia, commended Mr Howes and his commitment to youth theatre at the recent MYTC Annual Awards in Perth:

“Tony has been tireless in his efforts as founding Artistic Director of the Company, and he has touched the lives of many hundreds of young people through his work in the arts. His efforts have earned him many prestigious awards including Australia's Centenary Medal, the Advance Australia Award for the Performing Arts and the PEN International Salute for Direction.

In 1995, he was made a Freeman of the City of London in recognition of his services to youth in the arts, both in Australia and the United Kingdom. This award especially recognised the establishment of exchange schemes between Australia and Great Britain for young people interested in the arts, both for individuals and youth theatre companies.

He also has earned critical acclaim as director of many theatre productions – in fact too many to mention them all!.”

In the Shadow of a Gum Tree was composed by Simon Holt with Chris Kabay as librettist, with choreography by Mitchell Goode, and designs by Jay Brien and Dean Morris.

The audience in London, just as in other parts of the UK tour, expressed delight with both the play and the performance.

 

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WA Agent General Kerry Sanderson with Midnite Youth Theatre Company Director Tony Howes, Christchurch Grammar School Head Garth Wynne and the cast