The UK’s leading musical theatre company for young people, British Youth Music Theatre, presents two new musicals at The Mack, Mountview, Peckham next week.
The first show is Why The Whales Came, which will open 23 – 24 Aug 2022.
An exciting adventure full of mystery from War Horse author Michael Morpurgo, directed by Simon Kane, and choreographed by Phyllida Crowley-Smith.
Faced with the backdrop of the First World War, the insular residents of Bryher can no longer escape the realities of life beyond the islands. It takes the innocence of youth – in the shape of plucky young Gracie Jenkins, and her sailing companion and confidant Daniel Pender – to try to blow apart the fear and hatred that threatens to destroy their community, lifting a powerful curse in the process. This show is filled with the music of the sea as it charts our young heroes through their rite of passage.
Following that is Cabaret Havana, opening 26 – 27 Aug 2022.
An exhilarating new musical filled with captivating Cuban-influenced tunes and inspired by the remarkable true story of Anacaona, the Castro sisters’ legendary Cuban ‘Son’ band – talented teenagers who took on the all-male world of jazz bars and dance halls and found international fame in the last century.
Cuba 1933. Economic crisis, political chaos, student protest. The Castro family’s market cafe is struggling to bring in money. The Government is closing the university and music school, putting the futures of the 11 young Castro sisters on hold. Eldest sister Cuchito comes up with a daring plan… why don’t the sisters form the first all-female seven-piece salsa band? It would be a sensation. The answer to all their prayers…
UK 2033. Music and theatre are strictly regulated by the Government. A group of young people on a compulsory cyber-training scheme prepare to compete for one chance to perform, by retelling the story of the Castro sisters through song, music and dance.
Written by Nicola Baldwin, Directed by Tiffany King, and Choreographed by Julia Cave, this exciting new show is full of Hollywood glamour and revolutionary spirit, dancing in the street, dazzling solos and communal Conga drumming. A story of joy, tears, solidarity, and hope.
Mountview, 120 Peckham Hill St, London SE15 5JT. Admission: £16.
Booking: https://britishyouthmusictheatre.org
