Celebrating 10 Years of In Your Face

This year, In Your Face Theatre Seaham (IYFTS) marked a significant milestone with their 10-year celebratory concert, held in Seaham Town Hall. This event was not only a testament to the company’s enduring presence in the local theatrical community but also a vibrant celebration of their artistic achievements over the past decade. The evening brought together members past and present, supporters, the community, family and friends, all united in appreciation of the IYFTS’s journey and contribution to the performing arts.

The concert was well structured, offering a blend of musical numbers from Youth and Adult ensemble and individual performers with numbers from the multitude of performances IYFTS have produced over the last decade and reflective moments from compares Peter Baker and Aimee Curtis. There was a very large youth ensemble plus the adult performers (too many to name!) and they were all fantastic.  A selection of production and social photographs were on display as you entered and there were some wonderful memories to revisit.

A particular strength of the evening lay in its retrospective approach. The concert revisited iconic moments from previous productions, skilfully weaving extracts from much-loved shows into the fabric of the night. This allowed both long-standing members and newer audiences to experience the breadth of the company’s repertoire. The selection of pieces was both nostalgic and celebratory, serving as a reminder of the artistic growth and collaborative spirit that has defined In Your Face Theatre Seaham’s decade-long journey.  I have to admit to sobbing like an absolute baby at the Seasons of Love and Finale B from Rent which concluded, a past production of IYFTS very close to my heart.  There were also performances from Frozen Jr which is the up coming production from the Youth, Calendar Girls, Matilda Jr, Addams Family, Rent, Into the Woods, Little Shop of Horrors, We Will Rock You, Little Women, Oliver Jr and Shrek Jr by way of example all of which were fabulous productions and were a joy to hear again – admittedly especially so seeing Emily Kerr reprising “Pulled” from Addams Family and Stephanie Christie reprising “Astonishing” from Little Women both of which were stunning. I would have loved to have heard some music from Made in Dagenham but understand there wasn't time, and I'm happy the cancelled performance of Madagascar Jr due to the pandemic was able to feature from the Youth.

The atmosphere throughout the concert was palpably heartfelt. Performers and audience alike were visibly moved, with many moments evoking genuine emotion and appreciation. The celebratory nature of the event was underscored by thoughtful tributes and acknowledgements, and I was especially touched by a stunning arrangement of “Bring him Home” from the ensemble with a beautiful memorial to Marion Oliver, Jeff Page, Ernie Cooper and Derek Sparey all of whom supported IYFTS and sadly are no longer with us. The spirit of camaraderie and love for the craft shone brightly, fostering a sense of community that is the hallmark of successful amateur theatre.

It is important to acknowledge the challenges faced in staging such a significant event especially with significant illness in the case.  There were multiple last minute changes to the song list due to illness of Kenya Roberts, Billy Kay and Jade-Leigh Hewitt – get well soon ladies.  The company did a sterling job in adapting and overcoming so the show would go on.

In Your Face Theatre Seaham’s 10-year celebratory concert was a triumph in every sense and a beautiful celebration of a gorgeous friendly extremely talented group of people.  The evening captured the essence of amateur theatre at its best: passion, dedication, and a deep sense of belonging. IYFTS’s ability to honour its past while looking confidently to the future is wonderful, and their continued contribution to the local arts scene is invaluable. On behalf of NODA and as a friend, I extend heartfelt congratulations to all involved for a truly beautiful, loving, and professionally executed event. 

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