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Original poster

NYMT/BYMT 2026

810 replies

doesanybodyhaveamap · 27/10/2025 20:38

So with the big reveal of the 50th anniversary programme it feels like a good time to start the 2026 chat!

Here we go again 🥳🥳🥳

OP posts:
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Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 26/02/2026 15:44

@Comefromawayabsolutely our experience too. Look at last year for example- Fame was incredible, phenomenal performance older cast with lots of amazing dancers. Tuck - a uk premiere that most of the kids have been waiting to come here their whole lives (I don’t know many younger girls / female voices that don’t have at least 2 songs from this show in their repertoire), lightning boy - huge hype around this new musical, and they’re now producing a cast recording. And of course Carousel, an absolute classic staged outdoors with a huge band and an actual carousel…

Sometimes there is a stand-out (eg hunchback) but often it’s not even the one you’d expect it to be.

In terms of NMW’s, these are a great opportunity to be part of the actual process of developing a show. And sometimes the kids who have been involved in a workshop
one year are cast in the full production later on (quite a few of the LB cast last year were in the workshop the year before).

Wherever the kids get placed, it’s in a role that is right for them and they’ll have a wonderful experience.

OP posts:
Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 15:31

I'd agree with MxPickes. There are obviously shows that gain more publicity than others. Hunchback was one (ds was gutted not to get into NYMT that year) and I think Chess was another although it ended up that Ragtime that year also was highly acclaimed. Several years ago 13 (one of my husband's students was in that) was the one to be in due to JRB's involvement.

Saying that there have also been years where people have been clamouring to get into a new show, especially the years when they got to be part of the original cast recording. And I know my son & others were desperate to be part of Armchair a couple of years ago.

Theatrelovingfamily21 · 26/02/2026 15:13

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done for you, good luck to your son!

MxPickles · 26/02/2026 15:09

SharonBotts · 26/02/2026 14:13

Another dumb question maybe, but is there any sort of pecking order to the shows in terms of scale, prestige etc.? For example, is the final show of the season the biggest one? Or, is there always a show that’s performed mainly by younger kids? Is there usually an obvious ‘headline’ show that everyone wants? Obviously WSS is the most famous by a long way so does that mean is the ‘big’ one or does it not work like that at all?

Being selected for a show or NMW is a massive achievement and when it gets to the nitty gritty of the final casting where people are offered places placed will largely be driven by the role they are most suited to (based on skillset/vocal range/casting type) not in a pecking order of ability.

That said I do think different shows are "prestitious" in different ways in the sense they all offer unique opportunities. The casting process is incredibly thorough and I am confident that any place offered will absolutely be the best for the YP - both in terms of their casting type and personal goals.

I've said throughout this thread I dont think this year is my DD's year but not getting a place is not necessarily an indication of talent or skill, more a reflection that not everyone can be placed when there are limited spots with clear requirements to fill.

Operasingerkath · 26/02/2026 15:08

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done♥️

DMEAmum · 26/02/2026 14:26

SharonBotts · 26/02/2026 14:13

Another dumb question maybe, but is there any sort of pecking order to the shows in terms of scale, prestige etc.? For example, is the final show of the season the biggest one? Or, is there always a show that’s performed mainly by younger kids? Is there usually an obvious ‘headline’ show that everyone wants? Obviously WSS is the most famous by a long way so does that mean is the ‘big’ one or does it not work like that at all?

I wouldn't say so. I have no inside knowledge, but I have always assumed the order of shows is probably dictated by the availability of the creative teams. In my experience of productions in recent years, age ranges vary, and there are usually a mix of shows catering for different age ranges and respective strengths in acting/singing/dancing.

purplepenguin86 · 26/02/2026 14:26

SharonBotts · 26/02/2026 14:13

Another dumb question maybe, but is there any sort of pecking order to the shows in terms of scale, prestige etc.? For example, is the final show of the season the biggest one? Or, is there always a show that’s performed mainly by younger kids? Is there usually an obvious ‘headline’ show that everyone wants? Obviously WSS is the most famous by a long way so does that mean is the ‘big’ one or does it not work like that at all?

I don't think so. Obviously some shows are bigger in terms of cast size, popularity etc, but that doesn't mean more prestigious. Sometimes the new shows have nice additional opportunities associated, for example sometimes they've recorded cast albums. I don't think there's really any hierarchy though.

Kittykat57 · 26/02/2026 14:14

Done ✅

SharonBotts · 26/02/2026 14:13

Another dumb question maybe, but is there any sort of pecking order to the shows in terms of scale, prestige etc.? For example, is the final show of the season the biggest one? Or, is there always a show that’s performed mainly by younger kids? Is there usually an obvious ‘headline’ show that everyone wants? Obviously WSS is the most famous by a long way so does that mean is the ‘big’ one or does it not work like that at all?

DMEAmum · 26/02/2026 14:02

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done here!

HanD31 · 26/02/2026 13:59

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done ❤️

yodaforpresident · 26/02/2026 13:55

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done. Best wishes!

yodaforpresident · 26/02/2026 13:53

Fingers crossed for everyone!

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 12:01

Thank-you

MxPickles · 26/02/2026 11:55

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

Done done :) GL!

Comefromaway · 26/02/2026 11:51

Good luck to everyone waiting, I have all my fingers and toes crossed for you.

Whilst you are waiting can I be cheeky and ask for a little vote so my son can play at Tramlines. He is in the band for a singer called Holly Rolfe who has been shortlisted but the winner is chosen by public vote.

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1dbatg6_upMQ.._gs*MQ..&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af

APPLY TO PLAY – Tramlines Festival 2026

https://tramlines.org.uk/explore/apply-to-play/?_gl=1*dbatg6*_up*MQ..*_gs*MQ..&gbraid=0AAAAA91WMVcmi-UDZR4vrunPvVxqLJ1Af&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI__Hj5ov3kgMVCJSDBx2deg3KEAAYASAAEgLFr_D_BwE

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 26/02/2026 11:43

@allhailthebrain literally weeing with excitement at this news.

OP posts:
allhailthebrain · 26/02/2026 11:28

By way of distraction, I see "Tony Award-winning Broadway star will play Rosalind in a new production of As You Like It for the Royal Shakespeare Company"

I was lucky enough to see him on Broadway in both Merrily and Just in Time - what a performer! DC has a real thing for Shakespeare...

NeedyZebra · 26/02/2026 09:08

still waiting, on the edge of my seat! 😂

Biscuitsneeded · 26/02/2026 08:08

Just to sound a note of caution before you open all the biscuits/drink all the wine - the instagram post suggests all decisions are made, but they probably need a little time to set up all the emails, especially the show cast emails which will be different for each individual role. I also think in the past they let the creatives have a sort of cooling off period in case they wanted to change anything. So it would be lovely if it was today, but don't sit and wait for an email - I think it could still be tomorrow. Whatever happens, it won't be too long now!

anyonefancythetheatre · 26/02/2026 07:45

I’m so excited for kids, and parents, I don’t know. Fingers crossed for you all

Original poster
doesanybodyhaveamap · 26/02/2026 07:41

Finger crossed everyone! Looking forward to hearing the news

OP posts:
Mumster40 · 26/02/2026 07:33

600 recalled!!! Gulp. Good luck everyone x

Lionelblair · 26/02/2026 07:29

cake & wine 🙏🏼
it’s today surely.

seventwelve25 · 26/02/2026 05:57

Montimom · 25/02/2026 23:22

Are we still on biscuits or is it acceptable to start on the wine now ???

I'd have certainly joined you if I wasn't loaded with cold and in need of an early night!
In the meanwhile, I'm thinking a Bruce-sized chocolate cake might be needed to get through the day ahead?

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