Newbury YoungStars to Rock Arlington Arts with Queen’s Hits

The stage at Arlington Arts is set to come alive with the electrifying sounds of Queen as the Newbury YoungStars present their rendition of the iconic musical, ‘We Will Rock You’. Scheduled for April 17 and 18, 2026, this production is part of the Young@Part® series, which adapts popular performances for younger audiences.

Set in a dystopian future where free thought is suppressed, ‘We Will Rock You’ follows a group of “Bohemians” on their quest to restore individuality and creativity. The show features some of Queen’s most celebrated tracks, alongside a compelling book by Ben Elton. The Newbury YoungStars, a multiple award-winning youth theatre company, will showcase the talents of local young performers, bolstered by a dedicated creative team and a volunteer crew committed to delivering a professional experience.

Director Louise Travis emphasized the company’s philosophy, stating, “At Newbury YoungStars, our mission is to ensure every single cast member has their moment to shine. Whether they are a lead or part of the ensemble, we focus on building self-belief and stagecraft.” Her passion for nurturing young talent is evident, as she noted the growth in confidence among the performers throughout the rehearsal process. “That energy is going to be palpable when they take to the stage at Arlington Arts,” she added.

As a registered charity, Newbury YoungStars is dedicated to fostering resilience and self-belief in children aged 9 to 16 through the medium of professional-standard theatre. Last year marked a significant milestone for the organization, celebrating its 30th anniversary. Since its founding, Newbury YoungStars has provided a platform for hundreds of children in West Berkshire to express themselves creatively.

The organization’s core mission remains focused on using musical theatre to promote personal development and emotional intelligence. By offering a professional-calibre environment, Newbury YoungStars helps children cultivate skills that benefit them in school and beyond. To further bridge the gap between youth theatre and professional pathways, the company runs an Alumni Scheme for 16 to 18-year-olds. This initiative provides aspiring performers with hands-on experience in various aspects of the industry, from performance to technical theatre and production management.

Chair of Newbury YoungStars, Bex Bright, expressed pride in the commitment shown by both cast and crew. “This production isn’t just about the show; it’s about the community coming together to support youth arts. As a charity, we are thrilled to help spread the magic of musical theatre,” she remarked. Bright also acknowledged the generous support from local business partners and the Greenham Trust, which enables the organization to make the arts accessible to all.

For those interested in joining, Newbury YoungStars will begin accepting new member applications in April. Prospective performers are encouraged to join the waiting list to secure their spot. For more information, individuals can email [email protected].

As anticipation builds for this exciting production, the Newbury YoungStars are poised to deliver a memorable experience that celebrates both the power of music and the extraordinary talents of young performers.