|  | | Members of Barnstaple Young Generation in the 2005 production of Les Miserables School Edition. |
| | Barnstaple Young Generation has been going from strength to strength since its inception in 1994.
If you're a young North Devon actor aged between nine and 20, this society could be just the thing for you. |
|  | | Since 1994 Barnstaple Young Generation has been striving for the ultimate success … with Les Miserables School Edition 2005, the dream was realised.
Originally set up in 1994 by Barnstaple Musical Comedy Society as a training workshop to enable youngsters to have a taste of live theatre, it has achieved incredible success in the 10 years since its inception.
From those early days "the kydz" have gone from strength to strength and have continued to produce full scale musical productions at all the leading North Devon venues.
 | | Performing the 'Song Who Am I' from Les Mis. |
BYG, as it is now affectionately known across the region, is open to nine to 20 year-olds.
Although the 2005 show was staged at the beginning of the school summer holidays, the company intends to return to its traditional slot at the Queen's Theatre, in Barnstaple for Easter 2007 when it will present the West Country premiere of "Thoroughly Modern Millie".
Traditionally rehearsals take place on Friday evenings and Sunday afternoons, causing minimum disruption to school studies.
2005 saw a monumental effort with the company engaging in the staging of "Les Miserables - School's Edition".
 | | Dreaming the dream in Les Miserables. |
This specially adapted version of the favourite musical of all time saw an unprecedented sell out of the Queen's Theatre in Barnstaple, commanding four standing ovations across the auditorium.
This group has never shirked a challenge, and this last production finally saw them achieve the praise deserved.
The list of previous productions listed below testifies their determination in bringing new and exciting musical theatre to North Devon:
- 1996 - Joseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat
- 1997 - The Boyfriend
- 1998 - Annie
- 1999 - Barnum
- 2000 - The Wizard of Oz
- 2001 - The Music Man
- 2002 - Oliver
- 2003 - The Railway Children
- 2004 - Bugsy Malone
- 2005 - Les Miserables
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Barnstaple Young Generation continues to be run by a small band of enthusiastic adults who take into account the wishes of the membership and who are all cleared to work with children by all the relevant authorities.
The Young Generation is a member of Barnstaple Local Youth Network and is registered with Devon County Education Authority.
So what did the Cast think about "LMSE"? Awesome" was the favourite word. "It was cool," said one 12-year-old! "I never thought it would be that good!" … "stroppy" teenager!!!! We think that says it all!! Photos courtesy Andy Robinson | | | |
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