A BRAND new musical that revisits the iconic legend of King Arthur and the kingdom of Camelot, makes its world premier at Exeter’s Northcott Theatre later this month.

British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) are presenting The Power of Camelot at the venue on August 23 and 24.

Inspired by the ancient mythologies of the West Country as well as Wales, Ireland, and Scotland,  it features music rooted in Celtic rhythms and melodies that expands into classic music theatre, R&B, blues and beyond, performed by a cast of 36 young people from the West Country and across the British Isles.

The production is a BYMT commission, written by Cerys Jones  and composed by Ruth Chan,  with choreography by Krista Vuori. The show’s musical director is Ben McQuigg and directing proceedings is Rhiann Jeffrey

The Power of Camelot is a thrilling tale of monsters, myth, magic and mysticism, full of frightening fairies, serenading selkies, gruesome ghosts and a gaggle of Glastonbury festival-goers.

Flash forward to 2024, meet Morgan, who’s been tasked to find the source of Camelot’s power, redeem her family name and stop a band of evil knights from getting there first.

‘The show champions what is unique and magical about local myths, something the South West has in abundance with legends of King Arthur, Tintagel and Glastonbury Abbey,’ said writer and lyricist Cerys Jones. 

‘We’re looking forward to exploring new interpretations of these beloved stories, along with folklore from other countries, and celebrating the differences within.’

BYMT are the largest commissioners of new music theatre in the UK with a mission to create opportunities for young people and early career creatives from all backgrounds to develop theatre skills and enhance wellbeing, through the collaborative and inclusive process of making original music theatre.

Their vision is to transform perceptions of musical theatre, be the leading voice in youth music theatre and be internationally recognised as the UK’s most prolific creator of new musicals. 

Since 2003, it has commissioned and produced over 120 new music theatre shows and trained over 16,000 young people, with alumni including Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Lauren Samuels, Charlotte Ritchie, Dean Johnson, Grace Mouat, Lucy Griffiths, Luke Sheppard, and Bradley Jaden. 

Cast member and BYMT Young Company Panel member Ayden Goodwin added: ‘The Power of Camelot is full of adventure, wacky characters and the spirit of teamwork, which made it the perfect show to pair with the BYMT company of young performers from across the UK and Ireland.

‘BYMT offers participants the chance to tell incredible stories while building strong friendships, giving them a huge sense of achievement and enjoyment.’

There are two performances on each day, at 2.30pm  and 7.30pm , and  tickets can be booked at www.exeternorthcott.co.uk.