It's on Us

Keighley Youth Theatre again offered us a completely original piece of theatre this week. It’s On Us was written and directed by group leader Jamie Knights. The piece reflected on all sorts of issues which are particularly pertinent in the current climate, and which were chilling for me having just watched the news from the Middle East.

The beauty of writing a bespoke piece is that you can create opportunities for a large cast of young people so everyone has a chance to shine. However, this does lead to lots of very short scenes, making continuity difficult. The use of some action in the hall itself and good lighting assisted in moving the show along. The opening lighting was especially dramatic and atmospheric and a number of battles were well lit; but the piece could have been improved by more interesting transitions between scenes.

A dictator and his heavy mob, supressing the locals were: Annie Ferguson, Emillie Lucas, Lottie Snook, Max Ewbank and Olivia Waite. They were there to keep everyone in their place and to repel ‘Outsiders’; a sad reflection on some current extremes in our own country. On the Home Front, people struggle with their lives. Maisy Harness, Darcy Norris, Ada Davis and Lily-Rose Yates made a very credible family, with some realistic interactions between the children.  Maisy Harness sang beautifully, expressing the sorrow of war. Evie Green and Quinn Leiper struggled with love at a distance. They sang well in two duets. Grace Harness was expelled from the country, and relied on others to hide her. KJ as Atlas, Lilla Phillips as Bellamy and Willow Milner as Briar tried to support her, at a cost to themselves.

Meanwhile the soldiers fight and die for a cause they don’t believe in. There was a very touching moment when Stevie (Lottie Snook) and Athena (Holly Le Petty) tried to reach across opposing lines in affection, only to end in tragedy. India Parker gave a very energetic and enthusiastic performance and Ellie Kitson sang well and played guitar. The leader of the soldiers Olive, Callie Wroot had a very commanding speaking voice and made a credible sergeant-major.

This is a very inclusive group and everyone is welcomed. In the interval I was introduced to two new members, Toby Blick and Evelyn Byfleet who both confidently delivered dialogue and joined in with the singing on stage. They told me they were really enjoying being a part of the show. Leading the carers was doctor Denny, played by Ella Judson who was a quietly commanding presence on the stage and gave us hope of a better future. A strong performance.  The final scene was full of passion from everyone, and the cast left the stage in an effective way, giving us all time to reflect on what we had seen.

Costumes were good, distinguishing well between the groups. Everyone could be heard due to the availability of microphones for all.  On this opening night the lines were mostly very firm. Well done to all the adults for the effort put into providing a showcase for the young people, who clearly develop confidence and self-esteem from being a part of KYDZ.

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