Northants Uncovered went backstage to watch NMTC Youth rehearse for their upcoming show, School of Rock, the Musical, and honestly…
..the level of energy in the room was ⚡⚡ 𝘌𝘓𝘌𝘊𝘛𝘙𝘐𝘊 ⚡!
DID I JUST WALK INTO A REHEARSAL FOR FAME?
by Sarah Becker
For anyone who remembers the TV series Fame, it felt like I’d wandered straight onto one of its sets.
As rehearsals for School of Rock gather pace, there was a crackling energy inside the rehearsal room of Northampton Musical Theatre Youth (NMT Youth).
Guitar cases lean against walls, drumsticks tap nervously on knees, excited chatter hums, and enthusiasm vibrates in the air like a taut guitar string.
With live instruments played by young performers themselves, surprises woven through the staging, and a company culture built on confidence and care, School of Rock the musical, is shaping up to be something special.
I first saw this company perform Oliver! at the Cripps Hall Theatre two years ago and was blown away by the level of energy, the slickness of the ensemble routines and the commitment even then. What surprised me this time was seeing that same level of energy backstage as well as on stage.
BIG BAND, BIG SOUND
NMTC Youth is run entirely by volunteers. Seven people form the core team behind the scenes, including directors Katy Batchelor and Hannah Taylor, both of whom give their time alongside busy professional lives.
Katy is also director of Zozimus Drama, while Hannah runs her own business. Musical director Rod Lliffe was also present – in full flow. Their shared ethos is simple: to give young people in Northamptonshire high-quality theatre opportunities.
THE EARLY DAYS
“I grew up doing theatre productions in Eastbourne, where there were quite a few youth theatre companies,” Katy explains.
“When I moved to Northampton, I felt there needed to be something for young people that could give children the same opportunities — that feeling of doing high-quality theatre. These kids are incredibly talented, and I don’t think we always realise their full potential.”
The youth branch of Northampton Musical Theatre Company was first put together’ in 2017 by a small group of committed volunteers led by Katy.
From there, it grew quickly, branching off from the main company to become NMTC Youth in its own right. Katy recalls going to the committee with a clear vision: “This is what I want to do.”
One Vision; Team Effort
Listen to cast members reflect on how rehearsals are unfolding.
What follows is months of creative graft. Sets aren’t hired in; instead, the team devise the entire visual concept themselves. “I love directing and pulling the whole vision together,” Katy says. “Working out how it’s going to look, how all the threads come together — it’s a lot of work.
But it’s so worth it, especially during show week. Everyone’s buzzing with nerves. You want them to do exceptionally well, and they do. It’s like feeling proud for your own child, multiplied by fifty.”
That sense of collective pride runs through everything NMTC Youth does.
Confidence-building is as important as performance polish.
Katy recalls a young performer who, at her first audition, couldn’t even enter the room alone. “We had to double cast The Addams Family, and she couldn’t bring herself to audition. Now, her confidence has grown enormously — and that’s what we see with all the children.”
FROM GROUND ZERO TO HEROINE
For some, the journey has been particularly striking. One young performer Ellie, describes starting out barely including herself in group numbers, before gradually pushing herself to audition for bigger roles and tackling the main role of Belle in Beauty and the Beast last year.
Speaking from experience, she says.
“On reflection I think you should always go for the biggest part — it’s about giving it your all,” She also recalls the trust and support she was given. “The team as always made sure I was comfortable. I’ve felt really supported. It’s such a wonderful place to grow as a performer.”
Northampton, Get Ready to Rock!
As opening night approaches, the cast promise a few surprises on stage and speak of the unique, electric thrill that only a live performance can bring.
“Backstage, you can feel the pressure in the air,” a young performer says. “Then you’re on stage and it’s like something switches — you’re off like a rocket. Best feeling ever.”
With its live music, youthful energy and heart firmly rooted in community, School of Rock the Musical, promises to be a standout production — and a powerful reminder of what young people can achieve when given trust, support and a stage to shine on.
Northampton Musical Theatre Youth’s production of School of Rock opens soon. Expect big sound, big heart, and a few surprises along the way.
School of Rock will take place at:
Cripps Hall Theatre at
Northampton School for Boys
Billing Road, NN1 5RT
on
Thursday 19th February to Saturday 21st February
Tickets can be purchased at
https://northamptonmusicaltheatrecompany.co.uk/
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If you enjoyed reading this article you may be interested in reading our review of NMTC Youth’s Oliver in 2024. https://northantsmag.co.uk/review-please-sir-can-i-have-some-more-oliver-performance-by-nmtc-youth-society-brings-the-house-down