Our House

The aim of GYTS (Grantham Youth Theatre Society) is to provide young people (aged 16–30) with  opportunities to explore and develop their theatrical interest and skills by being involved in fully staged productions. Choosing to stage the musical “Our House”, which features the music and lyrics by Madness and also includes the Labi Siffre song “It must be love”, was obviously going to attract many of  its members to take part in the performances as well as drawing in sizeable audiences of “Madness” fans. This was certainly not another of those hastily cobbled together “playlists” of    past popular songs, strung together with a loose story line , in an attempt to provide a reason to give  some songs from the past an airing.

The storyline is from the pen of gifted writer Tim Firth, and features episodes from the life of Joe Casey (superbly acted by Billy Baxter) whilst growing up in Camden, surrounded by his family and friends. On his 16th birthday, Billy, on a date with his girl-friend Sarah, breaks into a property development with the intention of showing her the sight of the area lit-up at night. The police attend and Joe has to decide whether to own up and face the consequences or, like his father before him, set out on the wrong path. This is the point from which Joe Casey must learn to take responsibility for his actions and make his own decisions; like many youngsters, Joe is not going to find it easy.     

This production had tremendous pace which Director, Cerys Dexter, ensured was continued throughout the performance. The highly energetic dance routines devised by choreographer, Beth Oliver, were performed with much energy and panache. Charlotte Morris, as musical director did a great job keeping the musicians and vocalists together. Well done the Band!

Sian McDonald as Sarah, was perfect as the subject of Billy’s affection and Marcus Attia-Eason was ace as the wheeler-dealer, Reecey. Thomas Judt- as Joe’s late father - sounded most sincere when endeavouring to impart advice to his son. Bethan Stanley was most convincing as Billy’s Mum – Kath Casey, sounding and appearing very maternal. It was good to see Tommy Wall put plenty of fizz in his performance as Emmo. The cast also included Beth Oliver as Carlie, Maisie-Rae Marsh as Lois, Georgie Barnett as Angie, Kacey Hall as Billie, Chloe Short as Mrs Pressman and the Ensemble comprised of Corey Hall, Courtney Wheeldon, Tegan Huskinson, Archie Stanley, Annabel Spicer and Megan Gwyther.

Congratulations to all who were involved in this uplifting production, it was great to see the homeward bound audience leaving the venue in such a happy mood.

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