Youth theatre is Back at the Wharf! This Sunday (November 21) talented children and young adults from Tavistock Children’s Theatre Company (TC2) will be treading the boards once again as they bring to you West End Wonders.

The cast, aged four to 18 years, will be performing some well-known and much loved musical theatre classics along with songs from recent hit musicals such as Six and Dear Evan Hansen.

‘We’re celebrating musical theatre and young people being back together for this show,’ said Tracy Harding, who co runs TC2 with Ilona Richardson and Jess Reese.

‘Usually our younger and older groups have two separate shows but this time we’re bringing it all together from four to 18 years old.’

After working together in London, the trio founded the group in 2005 — deciding to bring together their experiences and training from working in theatre and education. Since 2005, the group have staged over 30 productions. They consist of over 50 members and they’re always encouraging others to join. The group meet every Tuesday at Tavistock Methodist Church, the younger group from 4-5.30pm and the older group from 6-7.30pm.

‘Our focus isn’t to train people to be performers,’ said Tracy, ‘we want to give children the opportunity to develop skills in a fun way which will help to build their confidence.’

Lockdowns and restrictions inflicted by the pandemic weren’t easy for the group, but they were determined to continue in any way they could. When restrictions were at their most severe, the group participated in zoom sessions and virtual performances — the latter made by combining many of their different videos.

When restrictions began to ease, the group got back together physically but followed social distancing guidelines by working in bubbles. The group had two productions planned — Annie and The Addams Family — but unfortunately had to postpone them, with the hope that they can be staged in 2022, so watch this space.

Tracy said: ‘Young people have been through such a struggle the last 18 months and haven’t had the outlet to do the things that inspire some of them like singing, acting and dancing so it’s great that they’re back together and doing what they absolutely love. It’s great to see audiences back at the theatre too.’

Sunday’s performances are billed to be very exciting. ‘It’s going to be entertaining, moving and great fun’ said Tracy. ‘This is a family show and there’s definitely something for everyone!’

Performances are 2.30pm and 6.30pm on Sunday, November 21. Email [email protected] for more information