Get ready to be transported back to the golden era of the 1920s for a ‘Razzle Dazzle’ of a show this September.

Kirklees Youth Theatre Ensemble (KYTE) proudly presents Kander & Ebb’s Chicago: Teen Edition at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield from September 6-9.

KYTE was established in December 2018 by local teachers John Cotgrave and Tania Smith when they saw a need for professional performing arts training for young people across Kirklees.

Both were professionally trained and are still practitioners within the performing arts field. They recruited Mark Breen as musical director and Sonya Louise Morris as choreographer, again both professionally trained, to complete their Creative Team. 

In 2020, the KYTE Production Team expanded further as they brought Vikki Fickling on board as creative co-ordinator and Lucy Mitchell to head up the Chaperone team.

The aim of KYTE is to provide high quality training which pushes young people to achieve their absolute potential. There is no making things more simple for these young performers, it is about having high expectations of all.

They believe in making the performing arts accessible and have set a high bar with the standard of their productions.

KYTE’s inaugural production was Andrew Lloyd Webber’s The Phantom of The Opera in September 2019. It received rave reviews with patrons returning night after night.

In 2020 they planned to stage Sweeney Todd, however, Covid hit. Instead, they adapted and in 2021, staged Oliver! in the LBT Courtyard to sell out performances. This highlighted the versatility of both the cast and crew.

Last year, 46 young people, aged from 9-22, took to the stage to perform the classic The Sound of Music. This much loved family favourite was a hit with audience members of all ages.

This September it’s the iconic West End and Broadway hit, Chicago. Set in the 1920s, the story follows two Merry Murderesses, Roxie & Velma, as they vie for fame and glory off the back of their crimes. This musical features a full orchestra.

On the Friday night, KYTE are offering their audience a fully immersive theatrical experience. Live the glamour of the 1920s for yourself as, dressed in your most alluring 1920s outfit, you sit and enjoy a Chicago themed cocktail or two at the LBT bar, before the show.

Tickets can be booked HERE