Youth Group Award
Spring 2008
The Youth Group's production of My Fair Lady has won 'Best Overall Production for District 7 in 2007' from NODA. This is a tremendous achievement, especially considering the group were up against very stiff competition with other youth and adult groups. All credit to the Cast, Crew and Production Team.
Makers of Miracles - Janice and Dennis Wright
Summer 2007
Janice and Dennis Wright have produced 18 shows for the SWAOS Youth Group, including 1990 The Pirates of Penzance, 1994 Joseph & the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat, 1998 Hot Mikado, 2001 Oklahoma!, 2005 Les Miserables (Schools Edition), 2006 West Side Story and finally this year My Fair Lady. They have decided to retire from the Youth Group and will be much missed by everyone.
Here are some tributes from Members of the Youth Group past and present:-
Katherine Hare drama Degree from Hull Univerity; Diploma from Guildford School for Acting; about to start a Diploma in directing at Bristol Old Vic; Assistant Musical Director for Youth Group and Co-Director of My Fair Lady
I first met Janice and Dennis when I auditioned at the age of 13 for Oklahoma! in 1992. I then spent the next 5 years performing in their shows and loving every minute of it. Janice and Dennis gave me my first leading role in a musical. When they invited me to be involved again, 10 years after I had left, I jumped at the chance. Walking back into the rehearsal room after a decade felt like coming home. I feel so lucky to have been involved again, especially with Les Miserables, a show that confirmed for me that I wanted to puruse a career as a director. Since then I have become Artistic Director of four different companies and I would like to thank Janice and Dennis for helping me realise my dreams. Thank you so much J and D, your hard work and dedication are an inspiration and I will miss you so much.
Gemma Holman Choreographer for Youth Group and semi-professional singer
I will never forget the support Janice and Dennis have given me, in every aspect of my life, over the last 13 years. They have both been like family to me and are two very important people. They help everyone to achieve the best they can and praise you highly for your efforts. I joined Youth Group in 1994 for Joseph, and danced in that show and the next two. Then in 1997 I had my first leading role in 42nd Street. They also put their trust in me to become joint choreographer for that year. The next two years I had lead roles before having to leave at 18 being 'too old'! In 2000 I became choreographer, a post I have held for the last 7 years. I have loved working with them, both as a performer and as choreographer, over the last 13 years and I will miss them very much. Thank you, Janice and Dennis, from the bottom of my heart.
Daniel Rouse music Degree from Trinity College, London; Assistant Musical Director Les Miserables and Joint Musical Director West Side Story
I have known Dennis for as long as I can remember and have been involved within the Youth Group since I started playing the trumpet at school. His dedication in the role of musical director, and commitment to everyone associated within the society is unprecedented. His ambition and drive over the years has enabled this company to continue to perform shows to the highest standard and has given so many young people the chance to gain the experience they need to continue their careers in musical theatre. Over the years there have been many highlights, but to see Dennis complete the run of Les Miserables in 2005 is without question his greatest achievement, and one he should be very proud of. I personally would like to thank Dennis for giving me the opportunity to conduct last year's performance of West Side Story, and to also thank him for all he has done for me, and the Youth Group, over the years.
James Gant Jean Valjean in Les Miserables; about to start studying drama in London and a rising star of the future
Having been one of the lucky few to have spent a full 7 years 'treading the boards' with Janice and Dennis, there is an awful lot I could write about! However, I shall keep it to this: between them they have truly moulded me into becoming an accomplished performer. The opportunities they have given me are endless and for those I am ever grateful. From the very first Oliver rehearsal where I sat at the back and quietly sang Where is Love, to belting my guts out in Les Miserables and West Side Story, there is nowhere I have felt more comfortable than SWAOS Youth Group. Thank you Dennis and Janice and enjoy a well deserved rest!
Nick Cork studying for a drama degree at Bristol University
I can't really put into words the gratitude I feel towards Janice and Dennis: for allowing me to be part of something magical on stage, for giving me the oppoortunity to build some incredible friendships, and for giving me the confidence to pursue a career in drama. My only wish is that I had joined the society when I was younger, as I learned so much in a very short time under Janice's direction and Dennis' baton, and now treasure a number of memories that inspire me and make me smile daily. Thank you both so much for your support, energy and enthusiasm. I hope that you will enjoy your new found free time, and that I will see you both in the near future.
Michael Smith who has gone onto play a principal part in The Beautiful Game in the West End, a film with Ridley Scott, and MacHeath in the Threepenny Opera at the Royal National Theatre
Dennis and Janice have got a lot to answer for - if it weren't for them I might very well be in a steady job with a good salary, a company car and a pension. Instead, 17 years on and I'm still entranced by the roar of the greasepaint and the smell of the crowd. I look back on my days with the SWAOS Youth Group with such affection. Dennis and Janice gave me opportunities to grow in confidence and ability with the youth group and helped me to believe that I could go on and make it my life. I would like to say a very big thank you for all your enthusiasm and hard work over many years, both for myself and the hundreds of young people you have inspired.
Adam Hedges Javert in Les Miserables, Bernardo in West Side Story and Doolittle in My Fair Lady
Janice and Dennis have been at the forefront of this group now for many years and it has been an incredible pleasure to work with two such wonderful people, who have become really important people in my life. Janice's wonderful style of directing is one of a kind. She gets the best out of you in every scene she directs, a truly amazing feat. Along with Janice's direction comes the hurricane that is Dennis' musical direction! When I joined YG I didn't know the difference between a crotchet and a minim. I still don't but Dennis does and without him there would be no music whatsoever. I think the really important thing to mention is how the two of them have always been so supportive. After every show they have been in the green room waiting to tell us how fantastic we were and how brilliant we will be the next night. So all that's left so say is thank you so m uch for everything you have ever given me, and all of us, over the years.