BAOS (Basingstoke Amateur Operatic Society) were delighted to hold a workshop recently for young Basingstoke musical theatre enthusiasts with star of stage and screen, Peter Polycarpou. Kindly supported by the Leisure Initiatives Fund from Basingstoke & Deane Borough Council, ten young members aged between 14 and 21 spent two enjoyable days at Fairfields Arts Centre, which culminated in a performance to just under 50 friends and family members.

The workshop was entitled 'An Approach to Musical Theatre and Acting' and consisted of two intensive days of workshop exercises and rehearsals. Organised by BAOS Marketing Manager Stephanie Webb, supporting choreography for the event was set by Alex Stores, musical direction was led by Simon Eastwood, both also adult members of BAOS. Participants in the event enjoyed performing numbers from Les Miserables, Oliver! (BAOS' next show, to be performed at the Haymarket, 19-24 March 2012), Rent, Cabaret and Gypsy.

The young people gained an invaluable insight into how theatrical productions are constructed from paper to stage. They each received personal coaching on different aspects of performance, and worked in group exercises to develop skills as an ensemble as well as individual performers. It was a tremendously rewarding two days for all involved. Members of the final showcase audience were wowed with the performances produced by all of the participants.

Following the Workshop, two of the young performers were invited to audition for Peter Polycarpou’s production team, for a concert named ‘Songs of My Life’ which will be staged at The Garrick Theatre in the West End, London on December 11th. Vikki McAuley, age 17, was fortunate to be chosen from 100 hopefuls to participate in the West End performance.

BAOS Publicity Manager, Carlie Cohen comments, "As part of BAOS' approaching 90th anniversary in 2012, the society is looking forward to growing its youth arm. We look forward to running more workshops, reaching more young people and performing to audiences in many different parts of our community in the future. We have been delighted to have this opportunity to work with Peter Polycarpou, certainly all involved have benefited in so many ways."