IS CIRENCESTER ready for a Spring Awakening? Judging by the standing ovation for the Barn Youth Theatre cast at yesterday’s opening night of Spring Awakening The Musical, it would appear so.

What the fledgling Barn Youth Theatre in Cirencester, under the able direction of Benn-Llewellyn Williams and musical director Rob Rayner, has pulled off in an incredible 11 days needs to be seen to be believed.

This musical, described as a punk-rock style generational wake-up call, was previously unknown to me and I suspect many in the audience. And it pushed the young performers to delve into challenging areas that face many teenagers today.

The show was bold, thought-provoking and at times uncomfortable to watch. It also contained a few moments that were, shall we say, close to the bone!

And it was brilliantly funny, with performers Harry Apps and Ollie Humphries excelling with their comic timing.

Lead performers Josh Rogers and Ellen Cleary had terrific chemistry, that sizzled below the surface until the audience was willing them to take the next step.

Josh looks like a leading man and sings like a leading man.

But this was very much an ensemble piece and everyone in the cast had their chance to shine, with no one being found wanting, whether it was dancing (thanks to some great choreography from Kelly-Marie Williams), comic routines, or singing as a group.

Iwan Lewis, artistic director of The Barn Theatre, told the audience at the end “students shouldn’t be this good” and he is right.

If this is the standard from students at The Barn Youth Theatre, then we can only imagine what will be on offer when The Barn Theatre launches with its first “professional” show next year.

  • Spring Awakening The Musical runs until Saturday, August 19. For tickets visit barntheatre.org.uk or call 0333 666 3366