Kidz R Us is a registered charity dedicated to developing young people through practical engagement in the performing arts, and it aims to encourage the participation of young people, regardless of their background, in the performing arts for their personal development and the benefit of the wider community. The company seeks to be a self-sustaining social enterprise, providing accessible, year-round entertainment for the residents and visitors to St Ives and the surrounding district. Born out of a one-off concert for Save the Children in 1983, the show was so successful, that the company was formed to build on the demand for more young people‘s activities in St Ives. The group has since produced over 50 shows and has won many awards. Last year, they were selected to create the Amateur World Premiere of Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber‘s —The Likes of Us.
In 2003 Kidz purchased and began to convert a disused chapel in the centre of St Ives, providing community space for workshops, classes and social activities as well as a venue for their own and external theatre performances. Each year Kidz works with approximately 100 youngsters aged from 7 upwards, supported by a small army of dedicated volunteers to create musical theatre performances of exceptional quality.
A number of professional practitioners are working with Kidz R Us on the forthcoming production of Cinderella; Ben Stock} (director), choreographer [Rhona Cleland and Pamela Rudge, head of music at Bristol Old Vic Theatre School – and the company proudly promise “a fabulous feast of comedy and romance, with plenty of music, dancing and glamorous costumes, everything you’d expect of a Kidz panto”.
“Cinderella runs at St Ives Theatre from 20 – 21 and 27 – 29 December 2010 at 2pm and 6pm daily.
