Young Perthshire actors in world premiere

Jul 23 2010 by Alison Anderson, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

THREE young men from Perthshire – James Ringer-Beck, Hugh Custodio-Forbes and James Miller – are currently in rehearsals with Scottish Youth Theatre’s specially commissioned new work by acclaimed Scottish playwright Peter Arnott, after they secured places on SYT’s prestigious five-week performance and production course.

All three are from the Blairgowrie area – James Ringer Beck and Hugh are both 18 and James Miller is 17.

The production is ‘Jerusalem: The Song Of Deeds’, a re-telling of the first crusades through the eyes of a young boy and girl. Directed by SYT artistic director Mary McCluskey, it has its world premiere in Glasgow next month.

Now in its 34th year, SYT Summer Festival offers young people across the country the chance to come to Glasgow for the summer months, rehearse in SYT’s purpose-built space and perform in a large-scale production at the end of the course.

Arnott’s earlier work, The Court Of Miracles, and a newly-devised piece, Adventures In A Norwegian Wood, will also feature on the festival programme in the Tron Theatre and The Pink Room at The Old Sheriff Court respectively.

Jerusalem follows the spectacular adventure of Mira and Parzefal, two friends thrown together by the political and religious conflicts of their time. Full of battles and bad jokes, religious fundamentalists and surprising historical knick knacks, Jerusalem: The Song Of Deeds is a show about old times that is all about our times.

Mary said: “Every year the Festival goes from strength to strength, and 2010 is no exception. The Summer Festival is always a challenge for the young people – but one that will not only challenge their skills but also be fun.”

The young people selected for Summer Festival at SYT are following in the famous footsteps of many household names including Gerard Butler and new Dr Who sidekick, Karen Gillan.

‘Jerusalem: The Song of Deeds’ opens on August 2 and runs until August 7 in the Brian Cox Studio of SYT’s headquarters in The Old Sheriff Court, Brunswick Street, Glasgow. Tickets from 0141 552 4267.