After receiving rave reviews on their sell-outs Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (2023) and Grease (2024), South Yorkshire Performance Academy (SYPA), is eagerly prepping their next smash-hit: ‘Our House’, The Madness musical.
Coming to the Rotherham Civic Theatre from Tuesday 20th May to Saturday 24th May, performances take place nightly at 7.15pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.
SYPA, based in South Yorkshire, is a fresh way of youth theatre, fusing the ideas of performance and promoting positive mental health in a practical environment. Working with creatives aged 10 to 25, they have developed an open, inclusive environment where learning and creating explores core skills to take onto any career choice. SYPA believe that mental, emotional and physical health is paramount. This non-profit community group, established in 2017, nurtures every young artist’s journey through the arts. Each year, SYPA is generously supported by over one hundred volunteers.
The group was delighted that Jonathan Butterell (director of Everybody’s Talking About Jamie (ETAJ): original / West End / UK / International tour and Amazon Prime film) became a patron of the organisation in 2023. After seeing their production of ETAJ, Jonathan said: “The work and commitment SYPA bring to making theatre in the community of South Yorkshire is wonderful.
“The young people are sharing their talent, passion, and love for telling stories, and that energy creates bonds and memories that can last a lifetime. I’m delighted to continue my patronage to the group.”
In recent years the group has performed highly regarded performances of Fame, Sister Act and Hairspray. Each production has a live orchestra, stunning lighting, high-quality sound, and professional sets.
Member Tawana (who joined last year) said: “The atmosphere at SYPA is so amazingly supportive and understanding, both volunteers and members. It’s such a loving environment!”
Meanwhile, parent and volunteer Joanne added: “SYPA is a very special place. My daughter comes out of sessions bursting with joy and enthusiasm.”
SYPA’s latest adventure Our House revolves around the music of the British band Madness, whilst following the story of London lad Joe Casey. It’s the night of Joe’s sixteenth birthday where he takes the girl of his dreams, Sarah, out for an idealistic evening. However, a spontaneous moment forces Joe to face a tough decision: a life of crime or an honest life?
This comedic love story features songs that have made Madness one of the most popular bands of the last 40 years: Our House, My Girl, Baggy Trousers, Driving in My Car, Wings of a Dove, House of Fun, It Must Be Love, and many more.
Tickets are selling fast and can be purchased by calling the Rotherham Civic Theatre box office on 01709 823621 (Monday to Saturday, 10.00am to 2.00pm), visiting in person or online via www.rotherhamtheatres.co.uk.
The group also welcomes new members (aged 10 to 25) and is based in Rotherham. This summer open workshops will take place, for details please email contact@sypa.co.uk. You can also visit SYPA’s website: www.sypa.co.uk.
You’ll find the group active on social media: @sypacad (Facebook and Instagram) for more details, behind-the-scenes, and meet-the-cast opportunities.