Drama group filled gap in education system
Spirit Youth Group is the inspiring result of how three Cheddington residents decided to fill a hole in an education system, which they believed had neglected the importance of drama for school children’s development.
The three – Vi Malcolm, Jenny Booth (now Winfield) and Colin Bryer – all had children at primary and secondary schools, and were involved in local amateur dramatics. In 1995 they formed a group for seven-to-16-year-olds and Spirit Youth Group (originally called Cheddington Junior Drama Group) was born.
The remaining founder member Colin Bryer, recalls to Living some of the highlights of Spirit’s past 31 years.
‘In 1998 we got together with a professional production company based at Liscombe Park to devise, write and produce a one-hour film.
‘In 2008 we produced our first musical (Sweeney Todd) and have been doing them annually ever since.
‘In 2016 we used green screen video to film our actual cast flying over London and Never Land in our production of Peter Pan, which we projected on stage during the performances.
‘In 2019 for The Wizard of Oz we melted the wicked witch at the front of the stage and she disappeared completely.
‘In 2025 we put specially prepared video footage and live singing together at the same time during our production of Matilda The Musical.
‘As a youth group we are limited in scope and funds, so our ambitions have not stretched further than relationships with other local drama groups,’ Colin explains. ‘We have many experienced adult helpers from those groups for which we are eternally grateful.
‘Many of our existing and past members have acted or gone on to provide staging, lighting or sound with several local groups including Tring Theatre Company, Vale Musical Society, Frayed Knot, and Cheddington Panto Group,’ he adds.
The eight Spirit leaders do the creative work on stage design, scenery, props and costumes, occasionally with help from other adults.
‘From September to Christmas we are fully involved in running games, improvisations and having fun with workshops such as stage fighting, puppetry and vocal/accents,’ Colin says.
‘We feel it important to promote the art of theatre; we have never been a group that just puts on shows. In January we hold auditions and gradually build up our rehearsal programme for just one show, which usually takes place at the end of June or beginning of July each year.’
Many past performers have moved to professional theatre. One, Katie Lee (now Katie Hannah), has appeared in the West End in productions of Les Miserables and Phantom of the Opera. She is currently playing Madame Morrible in Wicked. Two ex-members (Eden and Merin Monteath, from Wing) appeared alongside Olivia Coleman in an episode of Doctor Who.
A few others have gone on to take drama degrees and some of those are now working in the performing arts – not necessarily on stage but for organisations in the theatrical business.
Spirit meets every Wednesday in term time at the village hall, between 6.15-8.15pm. The group, currently comprising 38 members, is led by local drama enthusiasts Colin Bryer, Ian Hale, Becky Curtis, Sally Ann Wignall, Emily Nayler, Karen Chapman, Chaniece Williams and Paul Wilson.
Throughout the year members enjoy games and improvisations that encourage self-confidence, teamwork, discipline, quick-thinking, self-expression, good communication, and creativity.
Spirit is always on the lookout for adults to help with everything from set building to make-up. Young people are welcome to visit and see whether they would like to become full members, although there is a waiting list.
‘One of the things of which we are most proud is the fact that our productions involve kids with a huge 10-year age span, all working together as a cohesive team and with every individual a significant part of the whole. How often in pre-work years do you see that happen?’ Colin says.
Contact Colin on 07817 847099 or Ian on 07734 958745.