Budding local performers tread the boards at Waterfront

THIS year’s Youth Lyric production of the BFG will see Rachel Fisher and Thomas Fenton, both from Lisburn, cast in leading roles. It is running this week in the Waterfront Studio in Belfast and will close on Saturday February 25.

Roald Dahl’s masterpiece, The BFG (Big Friendly Giant) features 50 young performers from Youth Lyric.

They will bring to life this classic story about a little girl named Sophie (played by Rachel) and her adventures with the BFG.

“Sophie is just a little girl who loves books, but when she meets the BFG she becomes like a mother to him,” explained Rachel. “Perhaps this is because the giants don’t really have mothers and so he has missed out on this.”

Rachel, aged 13, has been a member of Youth Lyric for two and a half years now and says she feels a little bit scared about being on stage. She is currently reading the book BFG to learn more about the characters.

Rachel said the best thing about Youth Lyric is making friends.

“When I started I only knew a few people but now I’ve met so many people who are such fun to know,” she added.

In the production, Sophie and the BFG must take on the might of the evil giants who try to capture and eat humans.

One of these evil giants is Meatdripper – and that’s where Thomas comes in. “Meatdripper is quite sneaky and a bit devious and cunning,” explained Thomas.

Thomas became a member of Youth Lyric in September.

“I’m so excited,” he said. “This is my first time being on stage, but I love being a part of the good atmosphere and fun.”

Rehearsals have been in full swing and director Aidan Browne is proud of the positive energy and buzz about the place.

Sheelagh O’Kane who is also directing the production is excited to see things coming together.

She said: “The cast were picked back in October and I have worked with them since then, but this is the point when I have to pass it over and it becomes their baby.”

Jane Stewart, dance tutor, also talks of the enthusiasm of the young people, especially the dance team.

“This is such a big commitment for them,” she explained.

“As well as dancing they also have to sing and act which means they’ll be on the stage the whole time.”

Youth Lyric will be partnering with students from a range of disciplines at Belfast Metropolitan College, who will provide support in a number of areas, including live music.

The BFG runs for five performances only and follows in the successful footsteps of previous sell out performances of Dahl’s work.

Youth Lyric is one of Ireland’s largest and oldest established theatre schools. Each week, over 300 students between the ages of 5 and 21 and from all backgrounds attend weekly classes in Belfast and Antrim.

TV presenter Lynda Bryans, who is on the board of Youth Lyric, added: “It is not about training the children for a life on the stage or screen.

“Rather, it is about preparation for life - giving them valuable skills like the confidence to stand up and address an audience, to give presentations and to believe in themselves.”

Tickets for the production can be purchased by contacting www.waterfront.co.uk or the box office on 028 9033 4400.