The countdown is on at the Millennium Forum for the must-see show of the summer when the cream of youth talent in the North West region performs the iconic Lloyd-Webber/Rice musical spectacular, Evita, later this month.

This year, the Forum has teamed up with local family run business, Craft Training, as proud sponsors of the youth musical.  This partnership allows the theatre to offer all young participants of Evita the opportunity to experience a professional production at no cost to them, highlighting the Forum’s commitment to providing access to the arts for everyone. In addition, the partnership has also enabled the Forum and Craft Training (with support from Arts & Business NI) to create a purpose-built balcony which will be brought to key locations in town, where the Evita cast will perform some of the musical’s iconic songs; Stage Craft In Motion, featuring a portable wooden stage created by the young apprentices from Craft Training, will take place on Tues 21st July in the Guildhall Square and Ebrington Square as part of the promotional activity for the Forum’s youth musical.

Speaking on the partnership, Cara McCartney, Development & Creative Engagement Manager, said:

“We’re really grateful to Craft Training for coming on board as sponsors of this year’s Summer Youth Musical. Their support has helped us ensure that every young person can take part in this professional production completely free of charge, removing financial barriers and allowing talent, passion and commitment to take centre stage. Partnerships like this make a real difference, not only to the production itself but to the opportunities we can offer young people across the North West. We can’t wait to see all of the hard work from our cast, youth orchestra and youth technical team come together when the curtain rises later this month. We would encourage the public to come out and support our young people as they perform in two mini productions in Ebrington and The Guildhall Square on Tuesday 21st July at 1.15 (Ebrington Square) and 2.15 (Guildhall Square), as it will be a fantastic afternoon for all the family.”

Seamus Nealis, CEO of Craft Training, added:

“We at Craft Training are extremely proud to support this year’s Summer Youth Musical at the Millennium Forum. At Craft Training, our mission has always been to create meaningful opportunities for young people to develop their skills, confidence and future career pathways. Partnering with the Forum on Evita has allowed our apprentices to contribute to a major community arts project while gaining hands-on experience in a real working environment.

Seeing our young people, together with their tutors, design and build the bespoke balcony and portable stage has been a fantastic moment for everyone involved. Their craftsmanship will be showcased not only in the theatre but throughout the city as part of the promotional performances. We are delighted that our support helps ensure every young participant can take part in this professional production and gives our students an experience they will never forget. It’s a privilege for all of us at Craft Training to play a role in a project that celebrates talent, teamwork and the power of the arts across the North West.”

From the creators of Jesus Christ Superstar and Cats, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, comes a powerful and poignant story set to an unforgettable score. Join us as we journey through Eva Perón’s ambitious and often controversial life, from her humble beginnings to her remarkable ascent to power and fame.

‘Evita’ is a show like no other, featuring iconic songs such as ‘Don’t Cry for Me Argentina,’ ‘Buenos Aires,’ and ‘Another Suitcase in Another Hall.’  With its compelling story and stirring music, ‘Evita’ has captivated audiences around the globe and continues to be a timeless classic in musical theatre. More recently, it enjoyed a London Palladium revival with Rachel Zegler leading the cast.

EVITA performs on the Forum’s stage for four nights, 29th July until 1st August as part of the theatres’ 25th Anniversary celebrations.  Tickets are now available. Telephone the Box Office on 71 264455 (option 1) or visit millenniumforum.co.uk for bookings.  Proudly sponsored by Craft Training, Evita at the Millennium Forum is an amateur youth group production by arrangement with LW Entertainment Ltd.