MADAM,

I went to the Haberdashers’ Monmouth School for Girls to see a production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods, performed by Monmouth Music Theatre’s Youth Group. Any lovers of musical theatre who missed the show truly denied themselves a treat.

The, mostly teenage, cast performed Sondheim’s fine songs with verve, confidence and obvious pleasure. The large ensemble cast maintained their discipline and kept the pace going throughout. The movement and choreography of the players was precise and did not preclude us from enjoying Sondheim’s very clever, witty lyrics. It was a joy to be a part of the audience.

MMT Youth, since its inception in 2014, has encouraged members to develop skills beyond their performance skills. On the evidence of this production the policy has been a brilliant success. The show was stage directed and choreographed by two extremely talented youngsters, 14-year-old Monmouth Comprehensive pupil Josh Morgan and 17-year-old aeronautical apprentice Florence Mayo, both of whom have their roots within the town.

So, thank you MMT Youth for amateur musical theatre at its best; but you do have a problem now – how on earth can you follow that! I will be there to see you try.

Cedric Gibbons

(Monmouth)