'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' opens in Navan tonight

NAVAN Youth Theatre is to stage its first production when 'Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat' opens in the Community Centre on Trimgate Street tonight (Wednesday).

The Youth Theatre is a newly formed group catering for 13-19 year olds, set up to showcase the talent within this age group from Navan and the surrounding areas.

The founders are Jacqueline Murray, Paul Byrne, Enda Nugent, Ann Murray and Catriona Purcell, all of who have had many years experience in this field from orchestra, stage, lighting and sound, costume and set design.

The group aims to pursue a number of ventures but will concentrate on musical production in the autumn and a drama production in the spring, as well as intending to hold workshops throughout the year with invited professionals.

The director, Jacqueline Murray, is a former member of St Mary's Musical Society (SMMS) and has been putting the cast through their paces to get them ready for opening night. She won an Association of Irish Musical Societies (AIMS) award for best stage manager in 2001.

Musical director Paul Byrne, who has attended the Royal Irish Academy for eight years, and is currently musical director of Navan Silver Band, has been working with the cast and local musicians who will form the orchestra.

Enda Nugent and Ann Murray (winner AIMS award best stage manager 2006) and members of SMMS will be lending their expertise to stage construction and lighting. Catriona Purcell, a member of SMMS and Navan Theatre group, has produced many productions for St Michael's Secondary School, and is a well-known master of ceremonies in the Navan area.

Joseph and his Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be staged in the Community Centre, Trimgate Street, Navan, from 10th to 13th October inclusive, at 8pm. For further information and tickets phone (086) 849 2251.