Actors walk tall at Lyric in summer

Actors walk tall at Lyric in summer

26 July 2017

A YOUNG Comber actor is performing at the Lyric Theatre this summer in a production of Gulliver’s Travels.

Will McKee joins Evie Marks, from Lisburn and Peter Gildernew, from Newry, in the production which opens at Belfast’s Lyric Theatre on July 28.

Presented by the Lyric Theatre and Youth Music Theatre UK (YMTUK), the production features music by Duke Special with a cast of 40 performers, aged 11-21 years, selected from a national auditions tour involving over 1,000 young people from across the UK and Ireland. All were hoping to be part 

of the cast and follow in the footsteps of famed alumni, Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith.

The production and music takes audiences on an exciting journey through unknown lands with mythical creatures, bringing Jonathon Swift’s classic tale to life on the musical theatre stage thanks to writing by comedian, Andrew Doyle.

Speaking ahead of the production, Will said: “I am looking forward to the production and I am ready to explore the worlds of Gulliver’s Travels through every aspect of creativity and teamwork

“This is a show I guarantee will not only have an emotional effect on the audience, but also on the performers and other staff members, which will last a lifetime.”

YMTUK’s production of Gulliver’s Travels is commissioned with support from Arts Council Northern Ireland through their support as Principal Funder of the Lyric Theatre.  

YMTUK Executive Producer, Jon Bromwich, said: “The cast of young people, aged 11-21 years, are extremely talented individuals who will join a team of renowned creative professionals from Northern Ireland including Director, Des Kennedy from West Belfast and choreographer Jennifer Rooney from Downpatrick with music by Duke Special. 

“YMTUK offers young people the opportunity to work with exciting composers, established directors and innovative movement specialists, with the aim of developing the next generation of musical theatre performers.”

To see this musical adaptation of Gulliver’s Travels visit www.lyrictheatre.co.uk for tickets.