Since its foundation in 2002, Harry's Youth Theatre has been a resident youth group at Swansea's Grand Theatre. Established in memory of Swansea-born actor, comedian, singer and television presenter Harry Secombe, the non-profit company provides the children and young people of Swansea and the surrounding areas with qualified tuition in Musical Theatre.
The group meets at the theatre's Arts Wing on Monday evenings, with capacity for around 120 pupils over three age groups, comprising ‘minis’ (3-6 years); juniors (6-11 years), and seniors (11-19 years). Working towards a full-scale production is the company's prime objective; each class includes tuition in singing, dance and drama, reaching out to all abilities and skill levels. Classes are led by a professional director, choreographer and musical director.
There is no audition to join Harry's. All are welcome, and bursaries and free spaces are available for children from families facing financial struggle. ‘The children just need enthusiasm and commitment,’ notes Debbie Clee, the company's treasurer and administrator.
On top of this role, and alongside her full-time job, Clee heads the deeply committed ‘Harry's Angels’ who support all aspects of the company's work: ‘Harry's Angels is the collective name given to the dedicated group of volunteers who work behind the scenes on all aspects of production – from costume and prop sourcing to set painting, acting as chaperones to fund-raising,’ says Clee.
Alongside ‘Harry's’ annual full-scale musical production, performed on the Grand Theatre's main stage, yearly events include fund-raising variety evenings and concerts. All profits are then invested back into the company to fund future projects and to pay their professional tutors.
Many of Harry's past students tread the boards all over the country, including in London's West End. Ex-Gower College Swansea Performing Arts student Ben Joyce recently completed a run as Marty McFly in Back to the Future at London's Adelphi Theatre, following his professional and West End debut as Frankie Valli in The Jersey Boys.
‘Harry's gave me lots of memories, performance opportunities and experiences that were really helpful in getting me to the point of being prepared to make the big move to London,’ says Joyce, ‘I started with them at the age of 12, and I actually fell in love with the music of Frankie Valli in a variety show we did where three of us sang some songs by The Four Seasons. It felt like a full-circle moment to then get cast as the lead in The Jersey Boys straight out of drama school.
‘I am still friends with so many of the people I met there. In fact, one of my Harry's friends worked backstage on Back to the Future and, only the other day, we went to see another Harry's alumni who's appearing in the UK tour of War Horse! We're all indebted to our time with Harry's.’
Alongside alumni working upon and beyond the footlights, others progress into non-performance related careers, having partaken in the company's events for life skills and for the mere enjoyment of performing.
Current Gower College Swansea Performing Arts students Dylan Stapley and Eryn Thomas have been members of Harry's for 12 and 13 years respectively. Regarding their experience with the company, Stapley says: ‘Everyone at Harry's is so lovely – they're brilliant people. We're worked hard but we all know it's so that we can put on a good show.’ Thomas adds: ‘Everyone is so warm and welcoming – we're like a family. Some of Harry's Angels are chaperones, so I've known them since I was little; there's been a constant connection with them. They're so supportive. Coming to the Grand Theatre feels very professional. We're all so grateful to have the opportunity to rehearse there.’
The company is currently in rehearsals for Queen and Ben Elton's We Will Rock You, with performances scheduled for early February. Asked to sum up the Harry's experience in three words, Stapley does not hesitate: ‘Fun, welcoming and rewarding.’
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