Manchester Musical Youth Archives

Manchester Musical Youth’s 11th Anniversary Concert – Manchester College

2Nov

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Manchester Musical Youth’s 11th Anniversary Concert – Manchester College

Manchester Musical Youth (MMY) marked its 11th anniversary in spectacular fashion with a celebratory concert at Manchester College, showcasing the incredible breadth of talent that has become synonymous with this outstanding theatre group. With over 100 students taking part, from apprentices to main stage performers - this was more than just a concert; it was a heartfelt celebration of eleven years of nurturing young talent and transforming passion into performance. Headed by the dynamic husband-and-wife duo Kimberly Holden (Musical Director) and Dave Holden (Director), MMY once again proved why it is renowned for producing some of Manchester’s finest young performers, many of whom have gone on to excel on professional stages and screens. The evening featured 23 musical numbers s...

10Oct

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Finding Nemo Jr – Z-Arts

It’s time for the Apprentices to shine! Manchester Musical Youth’s (MMY) latest production, Finding Nemo Jr, swam onto the Z-arts stage this week and what a splash it made. With a 34-strong cast of young performers, this vibrant musical adaptation of Disney and Pixar’s beloved underwater adventure truly showcased the depth of talent within MMY’s apprentices. Directed by Shannon Holland with Sarah Barron as Assistant Director and produced by the ever-fabulous Kimberly and Dave Holden, the production captured the heart and humour of the original film while allowing every performer to sparkle. Finding Nemo Jr features music and lyrics by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, and a book adapted by Lindsay Anderson. The story follows Marlin, an anxious clownfish father who embarks ...

17Jul

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Fame The Musical – Z-Arts

Fame, performed by Manchester Musical Youth (MMY) produced by Dave and Kimberly Holden. Directed by Dave Holden and Sarah Binns with Musical Director Kimberly Holden. As someone who has had the pleasure of reviewing many MMY productions over the years, I can confidently say that ‘Fame’ is without doubt one of my favourites. This production encapsulates everything that makes MMY such a special musical theatre group – heart, talent and a true sense of family. The energy and commitment from the cast, the creative vision of the production team, and the warmth that radiates from the group as a whole makes this a must-see show from start to finish. From the opening number to the emotional finale, ‘Fame’ bursts with passion and authenticity. The cast throw themselves into the iconic story o...

Manchester Musical Youth 10th Anniversary Concert – RNCM

11Nov

By Nicky LambertNo Comments

North West

Manchester Musical Youth 10th Anniversary Concert – RNCM

Manchester Musical Youth – the brainchild of Kimberly and Dave Holden – celebrated its ten year anniversary tonight at The Royal Northern College of Music. I am lucky to have reviewed at least half of the MMY productions since 2015 and I never cease to be amazed by the sheer level of professionalism and talent which shines out of every single MMY performer. Tonight was a show of two halves: the first bringing us “timeless musical classics” and the second, highlights from the past five years. I would have loved to have seen highlights from the past ten years as one of my fondest MMY memories is “Hot Mikado” which absolutely blew me away and secured a special MMY shaped space in my reviewing heart. It goes without saying that every single number which we were tr...

Les Misérables: School Edition – The Renaker Theatre, Z Arts

18Jul

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Les Misérables: School Edition – The Renaker Theatre, Z Arts

This is the second staging of Boublil and Schoenberg’s Les Misérables School Edition for the fabulous Manchester Musical Youth theatre company during its ten years of producing award-winning youth theatre. With a cast of sixty-two talented young performers and directed by the phenomenal Dave Holden they have brought this sensational musical score to life at its finest. Les Misérables: School Edition is based on Victor Hugo’s humongous historical novel of 1862 that covers the twists, turns and tales of the French Revolution. Despite its inherent theme of adversity and misfortune along with the weight of the title, Les Misérables it is not all misery and no-joy-show rather it beautifully brings to stage the profound realities of our deep dark history. This well-known epic story follows...

25Aug

By Katie LeicesterNo Comments

North West

Frozen Jr – Z-Arts

Z-arts Renaker Theatre hosted Manchester Musical Youth’s (MMY) latest production of Frozen Jr, the show is unfortunately only running tonight and tomorrow evening with a matinee in the middle as it is a show not to be missed. This Disney family favourite did not disappoint the audience, it is hard to believe that the cast only had four rehearsals following their weekend residential and junior festival earlier in the year to produce such a well-polished production. This is MMY’s third show in a space of a month and the standard never ceases to amaze me, it is evident that the production is a team effort involving many family members supporting the process with their super talented youngsters. The auditorium and front of house was a buzz of super proud relatives and friends rightful...

14Jul

By Brian MaddenNo Comments

North West

The Hunchback of Notre Dame – Z Arts

Based on the 1831 novel by Victor Hugo, the Hunchback of Notre Dame has been transcribed into a musical with a little help from the 1996 Walt Disney production. The play itself has been written by Peter Parnell, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz. The Manchester Musical Youth group have decided to tackle this classic as their latest production. It must be said it’s been a good few years since I’ve seen the Hunchback of Notre Dame and this production is certainly a lot darker than I remember the Disney movie. There’s also the addition of new songs. Even though the play is set in Paris, it almost has a Greek feel to it. The numerous statues and gargoyles almost act as a chorus that is quite typical of many Greek plays such as Suppliant Women. From that point of vi...

5Nov

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

The Addams Family – Z-Arts

Not even the Addams Family are immune from Covid-19, however tonight at Z-Arts after nearly 2 years of delays they finally sat down for dinner watched by an excited audience, and it was well worth the wait. Manchester Musical Youth (MMY) Grads are back! If you are not aware of the story, it follows Wednesday Addams who falls in love with Lucas Beineke. Wednesday announces that the Beineke’s are coming over for dinner so that her extraordinary family can meet their ordinary one before announcing their engagement. What follows is a night of truth and revelations that could change the future for both families forever. I have to congratulate director Tom Jennings, not only has he brought this show to the stage in a fun and inventive way he also stepped in to play Gomez Addams with just a...

16Oct

By Paul DownhamNo Comments

North West

Sister Act Jr – Z-Arts

It has been a long time since Manchester Musical Youth’s (MMY) apprentices got to shine on the Z-Arts stage, so tonight was a personal joy to be back in the auditorium to witness a triumphant return with their latest production of Sister Act Jr. Sometimes, for me junior versions of full-scale shows seem cut too short and the story suffers because of this. I get the idea behind these versions and the opportunities it gives young performers, but tonight’s version of Sister Act did not seem to suffer from this, albeit some of the story was rushed. One thing MMY does better than most is find and cultivate young talent, many of which in previous years have gone on to some of the best theatre schools in the country and even the West End. Tonight, was no different as two young actors shone ...