Autumn 2001
Two by Jim Cartwright
9th-12th January
“Jim Cartwright wrote his play for two people. Liz Light’s production converts it into a cast of 110 – triumphantly. Her young company rises joyously to the happy first half and deals just as decisively with the stomach churning events after the interval. Excellent accounts of the one-sided battle and superb cameos. A cracker of a show.” Evening Mail.
“Youth group Stage2 is neither timid nor juvenile – it is known for tackling difficult subject matter – Cartwright’s sharp study of a bickering couple, Richard Morgan and Charlene James, is no exception.” Metronews
Autumn 2001
Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll
19th-22ndDecember
“The talented youngsters of Stage2 will begoing through the looking glass this week. The city’s bravest and most activeyouth theatre take you down the hole following the white rabbit to a world ofmagic and mystery.” Birmingham News.
Jo Taylor (The Cheshire Cat) went onto star in the film ‘Anita and Me’ and the Knave of Hearts – Lucy Bailey – went on to be our very own Company Manager.
Summer 2001
Les Liaisons Dangereuses by Christopher Hampton
25th-28th July
“It’s saucy, it’s sexy, it’s entendres are more single than double and it is a challenge that a superb young company meet head on. Francis Doody (Valmont) is a paramour par excellence, Katy Hamilton (Merteuil) a self- proclaimed virtuoso of deceit.Superb performances which garner all the support they deserve from a talented cast without a weak link.” Evening Mail
Summer 2001
Charlie & the Chocolate Factory
by Roald Dahl/Richard George
18th-21st July
The funny and fantastical chocolate factory burst on to the mac stage, aptly sponsored by Birmingham’s very own Cadbury’s. As well as the old favourites of Augustus, Mike, Veruca, Violet and Charlie and his family, Stage2 provided hordes of eerie Oompah Loompahs – one of which, Holly Turton, grew up to direct MDCC’s UK tours of ‘Henry V’ and ‘Twelfth Night’!
Spring 2001
Jack’s Children by Richard Williams
18th-21st April
Hexagon Theatre, MAC
“The Edgbaston-based youth theatre gave its customary splendid account of itself presenting the premiere of Richard Williams’ sequel to ‘The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe’. But it was Paul Brotherton as a sort of unhinged cross between Anne Robinson and the Milky Bar Kid, who stole the show. There was a genuinely funny, po-faced incarnation of a nutty professor, demonstrating a talent for comedy that is clearly going to stand him in splendid stead for years to come. He sent me home rejoicing, I am sure his will be a name to conjure with.” Evening Mail
Spring 2001
Much Ado About Nothing – William Shakespeare
11th-14th April
Studio Theatre, MAC
“What looks like a cast of thousands fills the stage and swarms into the auditorium. Stage2 is in the business of organised pandemonium. Liz Light’s memorable production brims with youthful talent. Speeches flow, conversations crackle and knowing naughtiness is givento its head. From the superb central players – Cian Barry (Benedick), Notzarina Reevers (Beatrice), Sam Millard (Claudio), Victoria Hanlin (Hero) – to the urgent, funny, all-action chorus, every member of this remarkable young team brims with bubbling commitment – Ado is really something!” Evening Mail
Autumn 2000
Road by Jim Cartwright
10th-13th January
Studio Theatre, mac
“Grown up stuff takes to the road. Stage2, that adventurous young group which habitually sets its audience by the ears with its bold productions has another adult show planned for the new year. ‘Road’ has always been designed to be performed promenade-style so Stage2 took in elements of promenade; in the interval the show spread into the bar and café, with a disco in the auditorium.” Evening Mail.
“There are three two storey houses on stage covered in scaffolding and the narrator travels through each building – after riding his BMX through the audience and on to the stage” recounted Sanjay Pawar (who played Jerry) interviewed in the Birmingham News before he qualified as a doctor and took a seat on Stage2’s board.
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