Leeds Grand Youth Theatre presents its ninth professionally produced, full-scale musical at the beautiful City Varieties Music Hall in the heart of Leeds on 29 & 30 July.

A show for all the family, Imaginary is an exciting, funny and inspiring musical about the wonder of childhood, the power of the imagination and what it means to grow up.

Director and Leeds Heritage Theatre’s Artistic Director Young People’s Theatre, Lizi Patch, said: “We all agreed it was time to take a chance on something new – and then I found Imaginary, by Stuart Matthew Price and Timothy Knapman.

“As I read, I found a smile spreading across my face, a lump forming in my throat and the hairs standing up on the back of my hands. The story, the songs, the characters – all fresh and brilliantly realised. The young cast is absolutely buzzing every rehearsal. Just being back in the room creating with their mates is something that will take a very long time to take for granted again.”

Premise: Milo is Sam’s only friend and they spend all their time together, using only their imaginations to transform their world into a place of adventure and excitement. But as Sam’s first day at secondary school approaches, her mother worries that Milo is holding her back, stopping her from growing up. School turns out to be full of surprises – and secrets. Imaginary centres on an enduring friendship with other-worldly twists and turns that change lives forever.

The theme of friendship is also important behind the scenes. Lizi adds that, despite the inevitable nerves amongst the young cast, “as opening night approaches we know we’re all in this together and that’s what has always kept me going as a director – without the collective energy of the whole brilliant team we have nothing. We took a chance on this new work and it’s paying off in bucketloads, I really hope you’ll take a chance on it too, I guarantee you’ll have a truly memorable night.”

Imaginary is designed by Julia Wray, with musical direction by Pete Rosser and choreography by Dawn Holgate.

For more information, please click here.