We stage an amazing show at the Oxford Playhouse every year, plus concerts and community outreach. The Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) is a teenage musical theatre group based in Oxford. The company was formed in 1988 and currently has over 50 members aged between 12 and 19 from all around Oxfordshire. Since 2003 they have been led by Resident Creative Director Guy Brigg MBE and Resident Musical Director Julie Todd. The Company was founded under the title of Oxford Operatic Youth Theatre in 1988, only later becoming known as The Musical Youth Company of Oxford. At that time, theatrical opportunities for young people were very limited and it was felt that this new venture would provide a focus for talented youngsters from Oxford and the surrounding areas, giving young people the opportunity to shine on a professional stage. Discussions had begun in 1986 when the then chairman of Oxford Operatic, Alan Gray, along with Michael Evans (Musical Director) and Rod Denton, began exploring the need for a drama / operatic society for young people. Sadly, Alan died in 1987 and it was left to Rod to take on the job of making the sociey happen. In 1988, they performed their first public show, a double bill consisting of 'Arcadians' and 'Trial by Jury' at Magdalen College School. Further shows followed at St Edward's School until the first performance at The Oxford Playhouse in 1992. That performance of 'Annie Get your Gun' was part of the re-opening celebrations of The Playhouse following its refurbishment and all cast and orchestra were under 18 years of age. Rod Denton continued to play a major role in the Society until his death in 1996 and his work was carried on by Barbara Denton until her retirement from the Committee in 2001. In 2016 (for '42nd Street') and 2023 ('Legally Blonde'), they garnered the coveted NODA Flame Award — which recognizes UK theatre groups of all ages for ‘Inspirational Contribution to the Pursuit of Excellence in Theatre’— and also won NODA’s Youngstars Award for Best Youth Production. MYCO remains proud of its work over the years to give young people the opportunity to shine on a professional stage. All those members and Committee who have taken part and worked so hard for the Society over the last 20 years are to be applauded. Their legacy has been the delight of many audiences and the development of individuals who would not normally have had the opportunity of appearing at such a prestigious venue, or the chance to work in such a caring, inclusive environment. It is that which makes Musical Youth so special to so many people. Long may it continue.
