A VOLUNTARY organisation which encourages young people to showcase their talents is celebrating 25 years.

Ryedale Youth Theatre (RYT) was formed by Angela Kirkham and Jennie Henry in memory of their friend June Veysey, whose dream it was to create a youth musical theatre group in the area.

Since the first production of Bugsy Malone and a modest start, it has grown into one of the most well respected youth theatres in the country.

Angela, the director and choreographer works voluntarily and along with choral master Martin Dixon, fellow choreographer Ali Kirkham and others they make sure that each year’s show is seamless and totally professional.

Wardrobe mistress Yvonne Young and stage manager Piddy Young have always made super human efforts to ensure that all the costumes and sets are perfect.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes a dedicated team of volunteers have contributed massive amounts of time and effort to ensure the success of the annual Easter productions over the past 25 years.

In October 2014, RYT received The Duke of York Community Initiative Award and Angela was nominated for the Outstanding Leadership award.

Last year Chairman Barbara Wood and Secretary Barbara Murray were recognised for 25 years of Voluntary Service, at The Pride of Malton and Norton Awards, while 17-year-old Hannah Richardson, who took the leading role of Eva Peron in RYT’s production of Evita was jointly awarded the Bright Young Star Award.

During Volunteers Week in 2015 each and every member of the behind the scenes team were presented with a certificate by North Yorkshire Youth, thanking them for their commitment and contribution as a volunteer with RYT.

Barbara Wood said: "It is quite extraordinary that there is such a wealth of young talent in our local communities and for the past 25 years RYT in association with Kirkham Henry Performing Arts has been blessed with a very strong and focused All Singing; All Dancing; All Acting cast, many of whom have gone on to performing professionally on the stage, and all those members past and present have to be thanked and congratulated for their hard work, commitment and dedication."

She added: "Our 25th anniversary production of Singin’ In The Rain at The Milton Rooms, in Malton, earlier this month proved to be the biggest challenge yet for all concerned with the shows production but it was well worth it and a perfect way to celebrate our anniversary and showcase the amazing talents within the company.

"It was an amazingly successful show and a triumph for all concerned."

RYT relies upon its advertisers, patrons and fundraising to finance both its performances and general running costs.

Anyone who is interested in getting involved should go to www.ryedaleyouththeatre.co.uk

Ryedale Youth Theatre past productions

1992 – Bugsy Malone

1993 – Charlie Girl

1994 – Hans Andersen

1995 – The Boyfriend

1996 – Annie

1997 – 42nd Street

1998 – The Wiz

1999 – The King & I

2000 – Carousel

2001 – Crazy For You

2002 – Peter Pan

2003 – Seven Brides For Seven Brothers

2004 – On Your Toes

2005 – Summer Holiday

2006 – Disco Inferno

2007 – We Will Rock You

2008 – Copacabana

2009 – Fame

2010 – Billy Elliot

2011 - Me And My Girl

2012 – Footloose

2013 – Cats

2014 – Starlight Express

2015 – Evita

2016 – Singin’ In The Rain