There's something special about youth theatre. It's something that I have been passionate about since I was young and in shows myself. To see young talent being nurtured by brilliant creatives and coming together to create spellbinding shows is something absolutely wonderful. BIGLITTLE Theatre School are just one of those brilliant schools in the Bournemouth area to grow and develop talented individuals that belong on the stage. 

2024 marks another year of their Broadway Showtunes showcases. A medley of songs and shows that are familiar and new, brought together by an impressive cast of over 160 young people. And Mamma Mia was it a show to enjoy! 

The most festive tale of all to see on stage and screen has to be A Christmas Carol. The story of Scrooge's redemption as he is met by the ghosts of Christmas Past, Present, and Future to see what his life has been and could be like. With so many versions of the show it's a breath of fresh air to see a version that is not only fun but accessible for all ages. 

Mayflower Theatre do amazing community based projects, and their Mayflower Made youth productions are nothing but brilliant. With casts solely comprising of young actors, A Christmas Carol is their latest festive offering. After all, Charles Dickens was only born just down the road from the theatre so it's a brilliant tribute to get audiences in the Christmas spirit. 

 When a local youth theatre group takes on some of the biggest songs of the West End and Broadway stages you know they have some big boots to fill. However BIGLITTLE Theatre School have done it again with their latest rendition of Broadway Showtunes, a celebration of everything theatre all on one stage. With classic hits and lesser known favourites, Broadway Showtunes takes you on a whistle stop tour and introduces you to songs from across the decades in about 2.5 hours.

 Alice in Wonderland is a classic tale of whimsical mayhem and adventure. It allows the audience to transport themselves into a world like no other. And that's exactly what Alice: A Musical Adventure in Wonderland allowed us to do at MAST Mayflower Studios this festive season. 

I am a huge advocate of youth theatre. I spent most of my childhood performing and am now a parent to a young performer so knowing that this show was cast entirely by young performers from the local area was something to be truly excited about. And this production of Alice is no small feat, and showcases some of the best up and coming talent set against a backdrop that would rival any big show production.