Barnton teenager shapes Hot Mikado (From Northwich Guardian)
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Barnton teenager shapes Hot Mikado
2:30pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News
By Gina Bebbington
A TEENAGER from Barnton is taking a leading role and more in the latest production by a musical theatre group.
Sebastian Singh is not only playing one of the main characters, he is also helping to direct Mid Cheshire Musical Theatre Company’s (MCMTC) next show, Hot Mikado.
The 17-year-old is the choreographer for the show, working alongside musical director Tom Newall, as well as playing Pish-Tush, The Coolest Gentleman of Japan.
Seb, a student at Sir John Deane’s College, said: “It’s a fun part to play and the harmonies are challenging but I’m determined to tackle this head on.
“I want to bring a freshness to the show.
“Many people know Gilbert and Sullivan’s music from the original musical The Mikado and this is a chance to hear a new spin on it.
“I want to bring a coolness but also create familiarity in the piece that an audience can relate to so that the intimacy of such a musical integrates the audience in and gives them an experience that they have witnessed and been involved in, rather than just ‘observing’ it.”
Seb, a former Weaverham High School pupil, has been a member of MCMTC and its youth section Mid Cheshire Youth Theartre for about six years.
He hopes to be a professional performer in the West End and is currently applying for places at drama schools like RADA, Mountview and Arts Ed.
He is enjoying a different perspective on a production with his role of choreographer in Hot Mikado.
“Hot Mikado has such versatility in terms of the music in it,” he said.
“They added jazz and blues elements to the original Gilbert and Sullivan score, which brings an updated feel to the show, so the choreography can be spread over eclectic styles of movement.
“It’s upbeat and energetic with little moments of stillness and beauty and I love that balance between the two contrasting elements which provides a thrill and excitement to lead and produce such a show.
“It’s great to be on the other side of a production for once.”
• Hot Mikado runs from April 17 to 20 at the Grange Theatre, in Hartford. For tickets visit ticketsource.co.uk/mcmtc or ring 01606 853573.
