British Youth Musical Theatre is returning to Birmingham Hippodrome’s Patrick Studio to present a new musical, #50 Days.
Performed by a company of 14- to 21-year-olds from across the UK with a number from Birmingham, #50 Days retells the story of the 50-day period that led to the outbreak of the British civil wars. With parallels to Brexit, questions about the monarchy and a new grime soundtrack, the contemporary musical brings history back to the current day by presenting a divided country through the eyes of under-represented people of today.
Writer Thabo Stuck said, “often we need to go back in time to understand the present—so much of our current political discourse is rooted in the 17th century.
“We hope #50Days will welcome new audiences and reinvigorate existing musical theatre lovers. Grime is the soundtrack of modern-day Britain, so why shouldn’t it be present in our musical theatre spaces?”
Music is by Darkstar, Duramaney Kamara and Amiir Saleem. Nyasha Gudo directs. Musical directors are Nadine-Rose Johnson and Kevin Sable. Choreography is by Melody Sinclair.
#50Days will be at Birmingham Hippodrome from Friday 1 until Sunday 3 September.
- #50 Days – Writer Thabo Stuck, music by Dark Star & Duramaney Kamara (British Youth Music Theatre)
Reporter: Steve Orme