Stage One Youth Theatre Group

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Stage One Youth Theatre Group

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Wonderland
29-31 October 2026
Petersfield Festival Hall, GU31 4DZ

Stage One Youth Theatre is an award winning youth theatre group based in Portsmouth and comprises members aged from 10 to 18. Established in 1980, Stage One performs full scale musical theatre shows every 8 months during alternate half-term holidays, performing at major theatres in the Portsmouth area using professional technical staff. Rehearsals are held weekly at Drayton United Church Hall on Friday nights during term-time, utilising experienced creative staff, including our own in-house Director, as well as accomplished Musical Director and Choreographer. Stage One Youth Theatre is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation, registered charity number 1202098.

05/11/2026

THE MAGIC BEHIND THE MUSIC! 🎶✨

Every great show needs a little magic behind the scenes, and in Wonderland, so much of that magic came from our wonderful Musical Director, Harry Wells (Harry Wells) and his fantastic orchestra.

Harry, thank you for the countless hours you dedicated to rehearsals, for nurturing our young performers and patiently guiding them through those tricky harmonies, and for always encouraging them to give their very best. You don’t just teach the music; you build confidence, inspire belief and bring out the very best in every young person you work with. You are their biggest cheerleader, always reminding them to believe in themselves, and that is something truly special.

Our orchestra may not have been in the same room as the performers, but goodness, they certainly lit it up! Their incredible musicianship brought the score to life and gave Wonderland its wonderful energy and atmosphere.

The reviews said it all:

“The band’s music was of a great quality, fully in tune with the fairy-tale atmosphere of the whole show.”
Southern Arts Reviews

Harry, thank you for everything you put into this production and Stage One, for your dedication, your patience and, most importantly, for believing in our young people. Stage One is incredibly lucky to have you, and we are so grateful for the magic you bring, both on and off the stage. ❤️🎶

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

05/11/2026

A HERO IN SHINING ARMOUR! ⚔️✨

What a performance from Isaac Buckeridge as Jack, the White Knight! In only his second show with Stage One, Isaac stepped into the leading male role and delivered a truly magnificent performance. We were so lucky to have him bring this wonderful character to life.

With his earnest honesty, charming humour and a swagger that made him every inch the fairytale hero, Isaac captured the heart of the White Knight beautifully. He brought such wonderful characterisation to the role, balancing Jack's determination to be a hero with a delightful sense of humour and a huge heart. His strong stage presence and beautiful vocals alongside Lucy in Through the Looking Glass provided a truly memorable end to Act One.

The reviews certainly recognised the magic Isaac brought to the role, praising his ability to create humour through Jack/White Knght's sincerity and his determination to be the classic fairytale hero.

Isaac, thank you for bringing such warmth, talent, humour and heart to Wonderland. We are incredibly proud of you and so grateful that we got to enjoy your magnificent performance. What a wonderful addition you have been to the Stage One family! ❤️

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

04/11/2026

ENERGY, MOVEMENT & A WHOLE LOT OF MAGIC! ✨

A huge thank you to our wonderful choreographer, Helen Wallis for creating the movement, energy and spectacle that helped bring Wonderland to life.

With such a large and talented cast, bringing everyone together, keeping every move synchronised and making each moment look effortless is no small achievement! Particularly in such a complex show. Helen's choreography did so much more than fill the stage; it gave our production its energy, personality and magic. From the big ensemble numbers to the tiniest details, every movement had purpose, style and character.

As the review so perfectly captured:

“Choreography was well synchronised – indeed the cast’s every move appeared choreographed.”
NODA

Helen, thank you for your creativity, patience, dedication and all the hours spent turning your vision into reality. You helped our young performers dance, move and tell the story with confidence, and we couldn't have asked for more.

What a spectacular Wonderland you helped us create! We are so grateful to have you as part of the Stage One family. ❤️

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

04/11/2026

"A DYNAMIC SINGING VOICE THAT WILL GIVE YOU GOOSEBUMPS"

From the moment she stepped into Wonderland, Lucy Mengham captivated audiences as Alice, delivering a performance that was as heartfelt as it was powerful. With a voice that gave you goosebumps, Lucy brought beautiful depth, maturity and emotion to the role, capturing Alice’s bewilderment, vulnerability and determination with effortless charm. A commanding leading lady with a truly impressive voice, she took audiences on an unforgettable journey through Wonderland. A truly outstanding performance and one to be immensely proud of!

Lucy has been part of the Stage One family for many shows, having first joined us for We Will Rock You. Since then, we have been lucky enough to see her take on some wonderful roles, including Elle Woods in Legally Blonde, Cosette in Les Misérables, alongside numerous ensemble and supporting roles. Each time, she has brought her own special magic to the stage.

But this time was particularly special, and emotional, as Wonderland marked Lucy's final show with Stage One as she embarks on her exciting new chapter at the London College of Music.

Thank you, Lucy, for everything you have given to Stage One. You truly brought the magic to Wonderland, and we defy anyone not to have shed a tear during your beautiful rendition of the closing number, Finding Wonderland. What a way to say goodbye! 💫

We are so incredibly proud of you and cannot wait to see where your talent takes you next. Once Stage One family, always Stage One family. ❤️

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

03/11/2026

A WORLD FULL OF WONDER! 💫

From the colourful characters to the incredible costumes, every moment of Wonderland was bursting with personality, imagination and energy!

As our NODA reviewer so perfectly put it:

✨ “It was such a vivid swirl of colour, people and movement.” ✨

And we couldn't agree more! Every performer brought something special to the stage, creating a world full of magic, mischief and unforgettable moments.

We're so proud of our wonderful cast, creative team and everyone who worked behind the scenes to bring Wonderland to life. ❤️

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

02/11/2026

Thank you so much for joining us in Wonderland, Steve Carter Theatre Blogger 💫🐇🎩🎶

02/11/2026

A whirlwind of colour, energy and pure Wonderland magic! 💫

We're thrilled to see our production described as a “maelstrom of colour and movement befitting Wonderland” by Southern Arts Reviews.

A huge congratulations to our incredible cast and creative team for bringing this magical world to life! 🌈✨

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

01/11/2026

THE WONDERLAND LOVE HAS BEEN AMAZING! ✨❤️

Our audience feedback has been truly wonderful! A huge thank you to each and every one of you who has messaged us, shared your thoughts and sent such kind words of congratulations. Your support means the world to us. 🥰

We absolutely loved taking you on this magical journey through Wonderland, we’re so glad you came along for the adventure!

01/11/2026

The final bows,
From our final show.
Thank you Wonderland
What a magical adventure it’s been.
🎩🐇💫❤️

31/10/2026

“THIS IS YOUTH THEATRE AT ITS BEST!”

We are absolutely thrilled to share this lovely review of Wonderland from Fairy Powered Productions! 🐇

A huge thank you to Heather Chalkley for journeying to Wonderland with us and celebrating the talent, creativity and passion of our incredible young cast, creative team and everyone who helped bring this magical production to life.

We couldn’t be prouder of what our young people have achieved. 🌟

Read the full review here: https://fairypoweredproductions.com/wonderland-review-6/

Photo: The Great Little Photographer

Address

Drayton Methodist Church Hall, Havant Road, Drayton
Portsmouth
PO61PA

Website

https://stageoneyouththeatre.co.uk/

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