The Power of Camelot is coming to Exeter

The British Youth Music Theatre (BYMT) is coming to Exeter this August to perform The Power of Camelot, a brand new musical that revisits the iconic legend of King Arthur and the kingdom of Camelot.

The performance will take place on August 23 and 24 at the Exeter Northcott Theatre, located within the University of Exeter.

Inspired by the ancient mythologies of the West Country, as well as Wales, Ireland, and Scotland, the play features music rooted in Celtic rhythms and melodies that expand into classic music theatre, R&B, blues, and beyond.

BYMT’s vision is to create opportunities for young people, become the leading voice in youth music theatre, and gain international recognition as the UK’s most prolific creator of new musicals.

The Power of Camelot represents a significant step towards this vision, featuring a talented cast of 36 young performers from the West Country and across the British Isles.

The theatre group’s previous alumni include the likes of Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, and Charlotte Ritchie.

The Power of Camelot is a thrilling tale of monsters, myth, magic, and mysticism, full of frightening fairies, serenading selkies, gruesome ghosts, and a gaggle of Glastonbury festival-goers.

Flash forward to 2024; Morgan has been tasked with an epic quest to find the source of Camelot’s power, redeem her family name, and stop a band of evil knights from getting there first. When she teams up with an unlikely band of guardians, can they work together, or will a dark force rise up to destroy the land of Albion while they bicker?

The Power of Camelot is a BYMT commission written by Cerys Jones, composed by Ruth Chan, and directed by Rhiann Jeffrey.

Above: Cerys, Ruth, Rhiann 

Cerys said: “The Power of Camelot champions what’s unique and magical about local myths, something the South West has in abundance with legends of King Arthur, Tintagel, and Glastonbury Abbey. We’re looking forward to exploring new interpretations of these beloved stories, along with folklore from other countries, and celebrating the differences within!”

Ayden Goodwin, a cast member and BYMT panel member, added: “The Power of Camelot is full of adventure, wacky characters, and the spirit of teamwork, which made it the perfect show to pair with the BYMT company of young performers from England, Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. BYMT offers participants the chance to tell incredible stories while building strong friendships, giving them a huge sense of achievement and enjoyment.”

This is an exciting opportunity for Exeter locals to enjoy a fresh experience of Arthurian legend and to see a BYMT performance in its 20th anniversary year. The show is 80 minutes long without an interval. Tickets start from £17, and adults and children over four are welcome.

2:30pm & 7:30pm;  Exeter Northcott Theatre; www.exeternorthcott.co.uk