Youth bring tale as old as time to life

YOUTH theatre group Nexus BYT takes over The Capital for the next two weekends to stage its musical interpretation of Beauty and the Beast.

Premiering tonight, Friday 24 July, the show marks another big-time annual production for the company founded by drama teacher, producer and director Julie Lovell in 2010.

She said Belle’s story was chosen for this year’s run because of its familiarity to the public.

“It’s a classic, it’s a Disney favourite,” she said.

“We thought it would bring that loving, heartfelt, wonderful experience back to the stage.

“The kids really are enjoying just the beauty of the play itself.”

Lovell said another positive is the hidden message that anybody can transform the way they see themself.

“I love that theme that we all have it within ourselves to find the beauty within ourselves and find that acceptance and love, and that the story that we’re telling isn’t often told,” she said.

Lovell encouraged locals to come along to one of the eight shows that will be performed between tonight and Sunday 1 August.

“Backing the theatre community in Bendigo is really important,” she said.

“This is a great way to show our young cast that they are important and that they can shine and that they’re valued.

“This is also a way to raise up leaders to feel like they can stand up and have a voice.

“Come and see the show and enjoy it, get a bit of entertainment and then just thank them at the end for all of their efforts.”

Tickets can be purchased at Gotix.