John Highfield
John Highfield
8 April, 2025
Retro

Take a walk to Easy Street to discover new generations of theatre talent

It’s true that there’s no simple way to get into theatre and performance…but you could always take a walk down to Easy Street!

Chicago was a chance to bring some Fosse magic to the stage.

Easy Street Theatre Company was launched in Sheffield in 2009, offering its young members a combination of educational learning and practical performance experience in a diverse and supportive environment.

A testament to its success can be seen in the fact that the company voted best Youth Theatre in the North East 2020 and 2021.

Phantom of the Opera took Easy Street to Sheffield Cathedral for a spectacular production.
Phantom of the Opera took Easy Street to Sheffield Cathedral for a spectacular production. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company

Now based at the Merlin Theatre in Nether Edge, Easy Street performs three professional-grade productions every year - with previous venues including Sheffield’s historic cathedral.

Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd was another cathedral success for the company.
Stephen Sondheim's Sweeney Todd was another cathedral success for the company. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company

Already this year, audiences have enjoyed a revival of Broadway classic A Chorus Line and the next show to take to the Merlin stage will be a new production of award winning musical comedy Legally Blonde, which runs from April 30 to May 3, directed by Beth Bloor, with musical direction by Gareth Lloyd and choreography by Amanda Tyas.

And coming up this summer, again at the Merlin Theatre, will be a stage version of animated movie hit Madagascar.

Jesus Christ Superstar was a popular choice.
Jesus Christ Superstar was a popular choice. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company

“I’m excited to welcome the Legally Blonde directorial debut of Beth Bloor, who is an exciting new addition to the company,” said Easy Street Artistic Director Sallianne Foster-Major.

Back to the 80s gave the team the chance to revive some vintage fashions.
Back to the 80s gave the team the chance to revive some vintage fashions. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company

“All three shows this season are much-loved hits, packed with drama, comedy and unforgettable music and dance and they provide the perfect showcase for all sections of Easy Street and our fantastically talented team of actors, singers and dancers.”

Previous Easy Street productions have included Cats, Jesus Christ Superstar, Footloose, West Side Story Sister Act, Chicago, Grease, Back to the 80s - winner of the 2021 NODA Best Youth Theatre award - Disney’s Frozen, We Will Rock You, Phantom of the Opera, Sweeney Todd and A Chorus Line.

And as the team gets ready for its Legally Blonde first night, here’s a reminder of some of those past successes.

Disney hit Frozen was given the Easy Street treatment in a production at Westbourne School.
Disney hit Frozen was given the Easy Street treatment in a production at Westbourne School. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company

For more information about the company and for tickets to the new production of Legally Blonde visit  easystreettheatre.org/home

Broadway classic A Chorus Line delighted audiences earlier this year.
Broadway classic A Chorus Line delighted audiences earlier this year. Credit: Easy Street Theatre Company