Monmouth’s Mayhem Youth Theatre Group have been rewarded by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association for their outstanding work in keeping the group active during the pandemic.
The Show Must Go On award is one of only three awards awarded to Theatre groups both adult and children in the Monmouthshire and Shropshire area.
The award was presented by Noda Wales and Ireland Regional Representative Dee Mcilroy at a ceremony during the interval of the group’s much acclaimed production of the Madness Musical Our House.
Mayhem founder Andrew Griffiths who was also cited in the award for his own contribution in trying to keep some sort of normality during these difficult times is very proud of what was achieved.
“Indoor based activities such as drama were one of the last children’s activities to open after the pandemic. In fact at one point it felt like activities like this were never going to return.
‘‘The children during this time showed amazing resilience and their ability to adapt to Zoom rehearsals and socially distanced activities was quite incredible.
‘‘Because we had ensure adequate ventilation at all rehearsals many a time in the winter, members were asked to stop what they were doing and gather around a radiator to warm up.
“One thing I’m very proud of is establishing a new junior group of 8 to 11 year olds during the lockdown which is now proving to be extremely popular.”
Mayhem, who are run by a group of enthusiastic volunteers and parents have had a very busy and productive year.
The group has continued to expand establishing a new mini group of seven to eight year olds in September and all groups are going from strength to strength.
Members have been involved in two successful productions with ‘We Will Rock You’ and ‘Our House’, and has provided children for Monmouth Music Theatre’s production of the Sound of Music and sang at the recent Christmas Town Lantern Parade to a large and responsive crowd.
Also the group has also won a £2900 grant from Monmouthshire Council’s Youdecide Community Fund
Mayhem are now looking towards the future.
Their Junior section will be performing one of the most most popular children’s musical films of all time when they present Bugsy Malone at Monmouth Girls’ School on 24th February ( Evening performance) and 25th February (matinee and evening performances ).
Tickets .Adults £10 Children £6 will be onsale soon.