LONDON ROAD
Fusion Youth Theatre's production of London Road - The Musical, performed at University of Sheffield Drama Studio in July 2010.
comments from social media -
"Absolutley fantastic performance, the kids and staff worked their socks off, best performance we have seen for a long time. WELL DONE TO YOU ALL, and am now looking forward to the next one, bring it on" - Dee Simpson, parent
"The show was amazing! I'm gonna miss you all so much this summer, see you all in September! I love all you guys so much! It's been a fantastic experience, and I'll never forget it! CAN'T WAIT TILL SEPTEMBER NOW!" - Beth Mathewson, student
An original production by Fusion Youth Theatre based on family values, friendship and embracing the community you come from. Using music from Sheffield based artists, this musical is all about celebrating the Sheffield Community.
Script written and directed by Heidi Riley for Fusion Youth Theatre
New musical is quite a steel
THEY'RE young, they are ambitious and next week they unveil a new production that celebrates the spirit of their home city.
Performing arts company Fusion Youth Theatre will give the "world premiere" of London Road, drawing on some of the iconic songs that have put Sheffield on the world music map.
Audiences will hear the likes of Pulp's Disco 2000, Arctic Monkey's debut hit I Bet You Look Good On The Dancefloor and Human League anthem Don't You Want Me as never before, performed by 40 talented youngsters as part of an original script written by Fusion members
London Road is inspired by the lyrics of a dozen famous chart songs from the above artists, pop mavericks Moloko and older stars such as Tony Christie, Joe Cocker and Def Leppard.
It tells the story of a group of friends who, once close growing up in Sheffield, have drifted apart due to life circumstances but are reunited when their childhood homes are threatened with destruction by corporate development.
"This heart-warming tale of love, loss, friendship and betrayal weaves its way through Sheffield pop classics as the friends battle to save their precious heritage," say Fusion. "But all is not what it seems and dark secrets threaten to tear them apart forever."
London Road follows in the footsteps of other musically-themed productions such as ABBA-fuelled Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You, based around Queen songs. This production will also include music from some of Sheffield's rising stars, such as Neil McSweeney, who wrote the play's title track.
Fusion formed just six months ago to offer a "fresh and dynamic" approach to youth theatre training. It draws from all over the city to provide a range of performing arts opportunities, including dance, drama and singing master classes, as well as professional recording facilities and a photographic portfolio service.
"This company was set up to give young people a focus and the chance to reach their theatrical potential, whilst embracing our local roots and culture," says Fusion director Gabrielle Miles.
"Through this new musical we are able to marry arts and youth with this wonderful city. We are extremely privileged to be nurturing the next generation of talented young performers and proud to be celebrating the work of so many of Sheffield's leading music artists."
London Road is at Sheffield University Drama Studio next Thursday and Friday, from 7.30pm.
To see our rehearsal images, click on the images below
