Young actors tackle ambitious roles (From News Shopper)

Langley Park School boys tackle ambitious roles in new theatre's first show

2:09pm Tuesday 7th February 2012 in Stage By Nikki Jarvis

Talented youngsters are taking on ambitious roles usually played by actors twice their age to celebrate their school’s new theatre.

Sixth Form students from newly rebuilt Langley Park School for Boys in Beckenham will perform Stephen Sondheim’s Company this week.

The adult-themed production will be the premier public performance at the brand new 600-capacity theatre.

Company centres on Robert, a single man unable to commit to a steady relationship, his best friends – who are married couples – and his casual girlfriends.

Set in the early 1970s, upper-middle-class Manhattan and told through a series of vignettes in no particular chronological order, each character and scene is linked by Robert’s 35th birthday.

Widely considered the show that inaugurated the modern musical, Company boasts the most astonishing score of any Stephen Sondheim work featuring classics like Side by Side and Being Alive.

The cast of 14 are accompanied by a nine-piece orchestra under the direction of head of music David Bulllen.

Martin Costello, director of the Broadway Theatre in Catford, is directing the production.

Company runs for just three performances tonight (February 7), Wednesday and Thursday starting at 7.30pm at the school in South Eden Park Road.

Tickets are £8 or £5 for students and children under 16.

For more information and to buy tickets email dbullen@lpbs.org.uk