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Extra-curricular activities

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NYMT/BYMT 2026

745 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:
Thread gallery
10
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!

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?

Kittykat57 · 26/02/2026 14:14

Done ✅

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.

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.

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♥️

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.

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!

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.

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:
HanD31 · 26/02/2026 16:25

Biscuits or wine later? Looks like another sleep to go.

Lionelblair · 26/02/2026 16:48

Yes please!
Tomorrow, tomorrow….

MxPickles · 26/02/2026 18:10
West Side Story Film GIF by filmeditor

We can hope..... plus @allhailthebrain needs a new earworm.

allhailthebrain · 26/02/2026 18:20

I need a whole new head!!

Biscuitsneeded · 26/02/2026 18:47

Wonder just how many apt and topical musical songs or lyrics we can make reference to while wait?

I personally think Tony has it wrong (Tonight) and it is in fact One More Day.

Biscuitsneeded · 26/02/2026 18:50

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

Biscuitsneeded · 26/02/2026 19:02

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?

Not a dumb question at all, but in truth although the show that has the greatest concentration of older performers may be very slightly the most polished (hard to call given how high the standard always is across all shows), things like the order within the season must actually come down to creatives' and venue availability. Every year each show will seem to have its special merits, and will require a range of ages, gender and talents. Someone who was hoping for West Side Story and ends up cast in, for example, Everyday, would be extremely churlish to feel miffed. Every show has its advantages and every cast member ends up feeling proud of the show they have helped to create. There might sometimes be one that has slightly more of the younger cast members because of the demands of the story, (and to allow NYMT to give opportunities to all ages if there is another show that is mainly over-16s) but all I can say is that show is just as wonderful, and those kids have an epic adventure with experienced pastoral teams. My DS has been in some of the 'big' shows mentioned upthread (Ragtime, Hunchback, Armchair etc) but he couldn't actually pick a favourite from all of his NYMT experiences from 2026 until now (and neither could I!).

HanD31 · 26/02/2026 19:06

Biscuitsneeded · 26/02/2026 18:47

Wonder just how many apt and topical musical songs or lyrics we can make reference to while wait?

I personally think Tony has it wrong (Tonight) and it is in fact One More Day.

Well not ‘I know it’s today’ maybe ‘wait a bit’ 🤔😂

MxPickles · 26/02/2026 19:23
west side story film GIF

Well for sure..... something's coming.

Lionelblair · 26/02/2026 19:35

Another day another destiny…

DMEAmum · 26/02/2026 19:36

Thank goodness there are new episodes of Bridgerton tonight to binge and distract me!!

Operasingerkath · 26/02/2026 19:39

DMEAmum · 26/02/2026 19:36

Thank goodness there are new episodes of Bridgerton tonight to binge and distract me!!

Yes that’s true! And featuring NYMT stars too - the lad who played Tyrone Jackson in Fame (known as Z to my DS) is in it!

And to join in, is it ‘Our Time’ yet??

betswina · 26/02/2026 20:02

Operasingerkath · 26/02/2026 19:39

Yes that’s true! And featuring NYMT stars too - the lad who played Tyrone Jackson in Fame (known as Z to my DS) is in it!

And to join in, is it ‘Our Time’ yet??

I think we are waiting for "Some Other Time" still! 😂

DMEAmum · 26/02/2026 20:08

Operasingerkath · 26/02/2026 19:39

Yes that’s true! And featuring NYMT stars too - the lad who played Tyrone Jackson in Fame (known as Z to my DS) is in it!

And to join in, is it ‘Our Time’ yet??

Spotted him!!

doesanybodyhaveamap · 26/02/2026 20:10

Operasingerkath · 26/02/2026 19:39

Yes that’s true! And featuring NYMT stars too - the lad who played Tyrone Jackson in Fame (known as Z to my DS) is in it!

And to join in, is it ‘Our Time’ yet??

OMG I knew he looked familiar!!!

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