British Youth Music Theatre celebrates 20 years with star-studded gala

The British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) has announced a grand celebration for its 20th anniversary, set to be held at The Other Palace on Monday, 8 July, at 7PM.

The gala, hosted by the acclaimed writer, performer, and BYMT alumnus, and New Musical Theatre Award winner 2023 Lewis Cornay, promises an evening of musical brilliance and nostalgia.

The event will showcase a lineup of performances from BYMT alumni, including Grace Mouat, Kayleigh McKnight, Luke Bayer, and Christopher Tendai, who will revisit their roles from previous BYMT productions.

They will be joined by the current BYMT Young Company, representing the future of musical theatre, on the set of Babies, a musical by composer Jack Godfrey that originated as a BYMT show in 2021.

This 20th-anniversary gala is not just a celebration of BYMT’s history but also a gathering of industry professionals, former and current young performers, and audiences who have supported the company over the years. Since its inception in 2004, BYMT has engaged with over 16,000 young people, launched numerous careers in music theatre, and established itself as a leading commissioner of new musicals in the UK.

In addition to the evening gala, BYMT will host A BYMT Convention: Careers in New Music Theatre during the day. This convention is tailored for young individuals aged 11-21 and includes sessions on creating shows, building a theatre career, and an open mic for current BYMT participants. It provides a unique opportunity for young talents to learn from established professionals in the field.

Zoe Wanamaker, BYMT Patron said: “As a Patron of British Youth Music Theatre I’m proud to wish this wonderful arts charity a Happy 20th anniversary. BYMT gives opportunities to young people of all different backgrounds to explore their creativity and be part of developing and performing brand new musical theatre. BYMT trains the theatre makers of the future who will go on to work on stage and screen.”

The 20th-anniversary season of BYMT began in April with Animal Farm (Birmingham Hippodrome), All Growed Up (2-4 Aug, Lyric Theatre, Belfast), Unbound (16-18 Aug, Birmingham Hippodrome), Wonderland in Alice (16-17 Aug, Octagon Theatre, Bolton), The Power of Camelot (23-24 Aug, Exeter Northcott Theatre), Welcome to Serene (30-31 Aug, The New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich), When We Strike (30-31 Aug, Southwark Playhouse, Elephant, London).its past.