Pembrokeshire’s newly established Youth Music Theatre Company - ‘ESCAPE’ recently held their inaugural public performances of ‘Elf Junior, the Musical’ at the De Valence Pavilion in Tenby.

With barely eight weeks to audition and rehearse, children from ages 5 to 18 years performed to packed audiences over two nights.

‘Escape’ was devised as an outlet for children’s artistic impression, following the time constraints imposed nowadays upon education within the school curriculum. Already, after three short months of acting, singing and dancing together, the 158 cast members have become a family, working supportively together to produce their first show.

The company’s Creative Team, Sam Hughes, Jo Davies, and Sarah Rapi, initially only ever intended to hold a small show towards Christmas, to give the young people an opportunity to perform on stage and experience what it takes to produce a show.

However, the passion and effort every single cast member poured into the project has been nothing short of inspirational, rising above and beyond what had been expected of them in such a short space of time.

The challenge soon developed into the production of three shows performed by the two Junior classes and the amalgamation of seniors.

Praise must be given to the outstanding performances of those who played the leading role of ‘Buddy the elf’; as well as exceptional moments from supporting cast members and to those who found the confidence to get up on stage and sing as part of the chorus for their first time.

In addition, tribute must be made to the dedicated team of young ambassadors and stage crew, whose commitment, passion and drive have undoubtedly been a key factor in making these shows happen.

Such a production could only be achieved with the grateful support from the De Valence committee; as well as from parents, friends and family providing lifts; costumes, and in helping the children to learn their lines.

The donation of raffle prizes was much appreciated and the proceeds of which will go towards sound and technical hire for future shows.

Riding on the wave of success, ‘Escape’ classes will start afresh after the Christmas break, week beginning January 6.