The National Youth Music Theatre (NYMT) has unveiled its 2025 programme, and it’s set to be an absolute cracker! With a thrilling lineup of iconic musicals, groundbreaking new works, and fantastic opportunities for young music theatre enthusiasts, there’s so much to look forward to. The excitement doesn’t stop there—NYMT is also kicking off its 2025 audition schedule. Adding even more sparkle to the year ahead, the organisation is over the moon to welcome the fabulous West End star Kerry Ellis as its newest patron. Known for her dazzling performances in Wicked, Les Misérables, and We Will Rock You, Kerry has been a steadfast supporter of budding talent. Her involvement perfectly complements NYMT’s mission to inspire and nurture the next wave of music theatre stars and creators!
Kerry Ellis, new patron and alumna of NYMT, comments I am beyond proud and honoured to be a new patron of the NYMT. I had such an amazing time when I was younger and it really made a difference to my future . I’m proud to have been part of one of their shows and hope lots of other young people have the opportunity to experience what I did .
NYMT will be holding auditions for the 2025 programme in cities across the UK and Ireland, including Belfast, Birmingham, Bristol, Cambridge, Cardiff, Cork, Glasgow, Ipswich, Leeds, Newcastle upon Tyne, Manchester, and London. These audition workshops give young music theatre creatives aged 10–23 the chance to showcase their skills in acting, singing, and dancing, guided by industry professionals. The workshops provide a supportive and engaging environment, suitable for both experienced performers and those just beginning their music theatre journey.
This year, the NYMT is buzzing with excitement as it introduces in-person Musician Audition Workshops alongside digital submissions! These workshops are a fantastic opportunity, split into two engaging sessions: participants will showcase their talent by playing two pieces on their chosen instrument and then dive into an insightful group Q&A session with the Musical Director. For just £25, you get a half-day of invaluable experience working with industry professionals!
After these thrilling audition workshops, every young person will receive personalised guidance for their next steps—whether it’s joining a course to hone their skills or attending a casting session. The dedicated team at NYMT is committed to ensuring everyone leaves with an enriching experience and feels part of the vibrant NYMT community.
In 2024, nearly a thousand enthusiastic young people auditioned, each earning a place in the esteemed NYMT company. They’ll be following in the illustrious footsteps of patrons and alumni like Idris Elba, Phantom of the Opera’s Joe Griffiths-Brown, Hamilton’s Mike Jibson, and Les Misérables’ Rosy Church. This year’s new patrons include none other than critically acclaimed Matt Lucas, award-winning Amara Okereke, and It’s a Sin’s Callum Scott Howells. Plus, there’s been an exciting surge in applications from aspiring musicians and Young Company Members eager to join through the Creative & Production Pathway!
Chris Cuming, Artistic Director of NYMT, adds, We are thrilled to welcome Kerry Ellis as our new patron. Her passion for music theatre and her commitment to mentoring young performers makes her the perfect fit for NYMT. With a fantastic range of productions and new projects lined up, 2025 is set to be a year of growth, creativity, and opportunity for our talented young performers.
The 2025 programme will showcase a diverse line-up of major productions, including Fame The Musical, Carousel, Tuck Everlasting, Lightning Boy, PLATFORM, and CRESCENDO. Alongside these performances, the year-round community-based project Echo Eternal will continue its vital work, exploring Holocaust memorial and genocide awareness through collaborative creative work.
In addition to major productions, NYMT will offer musical workshops for young writers, composers, and lyricists to develop original works in a creative, collaborative environment. New projects include Flip, Every Day, Windsong, The Great Moon Hoax, Carmilla, Stagshaw Fayre, Mini – The Boy Who Played with Fire, and The Unstoppable Letty Pegg. Through these workshops, participants will work closely with other creatives and industry professionals to refine their craft and bring their ideas to life. Many original NYMT commissions, including these, are regularly performed in youth theatre and school productions around the world, from the UK to as far as Shanghai!
Echo Eternal, NYMT’s ongoing community-based project, will continue to bring together diverse groups of young people to reflect on Holocaust memorial and genocide awareness through theatre and the arts. This project provides a unique opportunity for young people to engage with powerful, meaningful topics while contributing to an ongoing artistic conversation.
NYMT’s PLATFORM company—an invitation-only group of long-standing company members—will continue to offer a professional platform for young performers now ready to enter the industry. These pieces are shaped by the artistic intent of our young company, with the NYMT teams facilitating their interests and ideas to reflect a new generation of voices. Selected alumni are also invited to return each year to perform alongside current company members, ensuring NYMT remains a leading force in nurturing young talent for the professional stage.
The 2025 programme will feature an electric mix of work. Fame The Musical tells the story of the students at New York City’s High School for the Performing Arts, following their journey from audition to graduation. Carousel, a Rodgers and Hammerstein classic, tells the tragic love story of Billy Bigelow, a carnival barker, and Julie Jordan, a factory worker. The UK premiere of Tuck Everlasting will explore themes of eternal life, while Lightning Boy will bring to life a whimsical tale of youthful rebellion and potential at the Sky High Diner atop Mount Olympus. CRESCENDO will allow NYMT’s younger company members to devise their own music theatre piece, supported by a team of industry professionals in a collaborative and creative process.
NYMT is also excited to introduce Overtures, a new project that celebrates the often-overlooked orchestrations and arrangements from musicals, as well as a Christmas Celebration, which will showcase the highlights from NYMT’s productions and courses in a festive performance at the end of the year. The team will also continue to offer Creative and Production Pathways for emerging theatre talent aged 16-23, including Directors, Choreographers, Designers, and Technicians. Aimed at those in training or recent graduates, the program provides skill-building sessions, mentorship, and the opportunity to observe a production process. Applicants, who can apply annually between October and December for a £25 fee, will also have the chance to apply for specific roles on upcoming NYMT productions, gaining valuable hands-on experience.
NYMT will also deliver an array of training courses to support emerging talent across all aspects of music theatre. Step by Step offers residential and non-residential courses for young actors, singers, and dancers at different skill levels, while Note by Note invites aspiring composers and writers to develop their musical ideas from concept to score. Page by Page provides young creatives the chance to work alongside a director, choreographer, and musical director to understand the journey of a show from script to stage. Finally, Piece by Piece immerses young designers and technicians in hands-on experience with sound and lighting, rigging, and stage management, under the guidance of industry professionals. These tailored programmes ensure that every role in music theatre is inspired and equipped for the future.
Adrian Packer OBE, CEO of NYMT, comments, It’s an exciting time for NYMT with our move to Birmingham and the launch of the 2025 programme, offering a wide range of opportunities for young people to grow, whether through courses or projects. This year, I’ve had the privilege of learning the stories of all our NYMT company members, and more than ever, we want to ensure that everyone who engages with us feels they truly belong. Our goal is for everyone to leave with something valuable—whether it’s skill development or a deeper connection to the industry. With Kerry Ellis joining us as patron, we’re more committed than ever to supporting the next generation of performers and creatives.
With nearly 50 years of experience in providing top-quality professional development for young theatre makers, NYMT continues to offer masterclasses, skills workshops, and residential courses to support the next generation of performers, creatives, and technicians. The organisation is committed to making these opportunities accessible to all, with bursaries totalling nearly £50,000 this year alone to support under-resourced families.
For full details on audition workshop dates, the 2025 programme, and further opportunities, please visit the website or contact NYMT directly. The team want to encourage anyone who is interested to apply, and do not want the fee to be a barrier. If it is, special arrangements can be made based on individual circumstances. Anyone wishing to discuss that should contact enquiries@nymt.org.uk
Acting and Music Theatre Workshop Days
Bristol Saturday 4th January 2025
Manchester Sunday 5th January 2025
Cambridge Sunday 12th January 2025
London Sunday 12th January 2025
London Sunday 19th January 2025
Newcastle upon Tyne Saturday 25th January 2025
Cardiff Saturday 25th January 2025
London Sunday 26th January 2025
Cork Sunday 26th January 2025
Glasgow Sunday 26th January 2025
Leeds Saturday 1st February 2025
Birmingham Sunday 2nd February 2025
London Sunday 2nd February 2025
Belfast Saturday 8th February 2025
Ipswich Sunday 9th February 2025
London Sunday 9th February 2025
Musician Workshop Days
London Saturday 25th January
Bristol Saturday 1st February
Cardiff Saturday 8th February
Leeds Saturday 15 February
2025 Programme Dates
CRESCENDO Easter Rehearsal Week: 11th – 17th April 2025
Performance Date: 5th -6th July 2025
Location: TBC
CRESCENDO will spotlight the creative voices of NYMT’s younger company members as they devise and create their own piece of music theatre, supported by a team of experienced creative professionals. It will be a collaborative process, showcasing the next generation of music theatre creators.
Fame The Musical Easter Rehearsal Week: 12th – 17th April 2025
Summer Rehearsal Week: 26th July – 2nd August 2025
Production Week: 3rd – 9th August 2025
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome
Fame follows the lives of students at the New York City High School for the Performing Arts, depicting their journey from admission in 1980 to graduation in 1984. The show explores the struggles and triumphs of these young individuals as they navigate their personal challenges and ambitions in the spotlight.
Carousel Easter Rehearsal Week: 12th – 17th April 2025
Summer Rehearsal Week: 16th – 25th August 2025
Production Week: 24th – 30th August 2025
Location: Birmingham Site Specific
In Carousel, Billy Bigelow, a carefree carnival barker, falls in love with Julie Jordan, a sweet but naïve factory worker. This Rodgers and Hammerstein classic delves into love, loss, and redemption, set against the backdrop of a beautiful but turbulent carnival world.
Tuck Everlasting Easter Rehearsal Week: 12th – 17th April 2025
Summer Rehearsal Week: 2nd – 9th August 2025
Production Week: 11th – 16th August 2025
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome
The UK premiere of Tuck Everlasting brings the story of Winnie Foster, an eleven-year-old girl who becomes entwined with the mysterious Tuck family. The Tucks have discovered the secret to eternal life, and Winnie must decide if immortality is truly a blessing or a curse.
Lightning Boy Easter Rehearsal Week: 12th – 17th April 2025
Summer Rehearsal Week: 9th – 16th August 2025
Production Week: 18th – 25th August 2025
Location: Birmingham Hippodrome
Lightning Boy takes place in a diner on Mount Olympus, where young Olympians serve customers while longing to escape their godly responsibilities and become true gods themselves. This light-hearted and adventurous musical explores themes of destiny, rebellion, and youthful dreams.
Echo Eternal The Echo Eternal project is an ongoing initiative that brings together diverse communities to create art and theatre focused on Holocaust memorial and genocide awareness. The project aims to inspire a deeper understanding of history and the importance of remembering the past.
PLATFORM Easter Rehearsal Week: 11th – 17th April 2025
Summer Rehearsal Week: 2nd -8th August 2025
Locations: TBC
PLATFORM is designed to provide young artists with a prolonged opportunity to both showcase their talents and express their unique artistic identities. It spotlights a company of dynamic and inspiring individuals whose instincts and knowledge have been supported and nurtured in creating a performance alongside a world-class creative team.
Overtures Rehearsal Date: 24th October 2025
Performance Date: 25th October 2025
Location: Stoller Hall Manchester
Overtures is an exciting new project for musicians, featuring overtures, entr’actes, and dance arrangements from a variety of shows. This one-night performance will highlight the often-underappreciated orchestrations that are integral to music theatre.
Christmas Celebration Performance Date: December 2025Location: London
The Christmas Celebration brings together a selection of the NYMT company to celebrate the festive season with a performance featuring highlights from throughout the year’s projects, as well as seasonal music and performances.