About Thames Music Theatre

TMT is a Youth Music Theatre company seeking registered charitable status, aimed at offering opportunities to young people in SW London and surrounding districts aged between 10 and 18 who are interested in creating and performing all forms of high-quality musical theatre – be they onstage performers or musicians or those interested in backstage or technical work. The Directors are Jeremy James Taylor OBE, John Pearson and Rob Howe who between them have very extensive experience in the field of training young people and youth music theatre, having been responsible for many productions all over the UK and abroad – and most particularly at the Rose Theatre in Kingston with productions as part of the Fuse Festival.

Their first project was The Roman Invasion of Ramsbottom, a musical comedy by Jeremy James Taylor, with music by David Nield with a cast of 10-16 year olds, and which was was presented to great success as part of the 2024 International Fuse Festival at the Gala Theatre in Kingston upon Thames; with one performance in the presence of HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, who kindly met and spoke with the cast afterwards. The cast also were happy to meet Matt Lucas, who also came to chat to them afterwards, and who had played in the same show in his own youth!

TMT's next production is Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, which ran in April 2025 at the Hampton Hill Theatre TW12 with further performances at the Rose Theatre in Kingston on 2-3 July 2025.

TMT Patrons:

TMT and Production Staff:

Current Staff:

Previous staff:

Some young participants:

"Life got exciting when I was chosen. I thought it was like a fruit with all its exciting flavours: learning new songs, getting our costumes, even meeting Prince Edward!"

"I’ve thoroughly being in the show as I’ve made loads of new friends and have loved practising my singing more. I’m excited to perform because this is my first proper show. I love musical theatre and I just can’t wait."

"Through working with Jeremy and John I have learnt how to conduct myself through the rehearsal process and learnt many new acting skills. The performance of the musicals we did were brilliant and the hard work from rehearsals really paid off. It helped me develop as an actor and as a person. It also gave me the confidence to work with people I don't know. I have loved the experience of working with them."

"The rehearsals were really fun and I made new friends. The show itself was very exciting and all very professional and I loved performing and singing in front of an audience."

"I’ve had the exciting opportunity to take the position of someone else as I’m acting the role. During this production, I have realised that acting isn’t just about performing in front of a big audience, it’s about understanding what others feel and controlling emotions."

Parents:

"My children have participated in two productions with Jeremy and John. They are such experts in their fields and what they achieve in the transformation of a group of children into a polished and professional cast is quite magical. The key, I believe, is in the very high expectations they have of the children. Being directed by this team is something very different to typical drama ‘holiday courses’; it really gives the students a taste of professional musical theatre. The memories our son and daughter and we, as parents, have of the productions at the Rose Theatre will be treasured for a long time to come."

"My daughter was so excited and enthusiastic to perform in the show. She loved every minute of it. The choreography was superb and her love of singing was cemented by singing in a full scale production, under the encouraging and professional directorship of Jeremy and John."

"Our son has been part of Theatre work and productions with Jeremy and John for the last 7 years. The quality of their productions have always been excellent. Jeremy and John always include all of the performers and bring out the best in the entire cast. There is a wonderful sense of teamwork and fun when picking up our son from rehearsals! They seem to teach the young performers such professionalism and discipline that is needed when putting and a production together. Our son has benefited immensely from their years of experience and has most definitely come away with more confidence and love of theatre."

A teacher:

"I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation for the outstanding production of Cinderella and Her Magical Mice that Jeremy, John and the late David Nield, brought to our school last year.

The experience was nothing short of transformative. The entire year group was captivated by the production, even children with no previous exposure to performing arts were transported by the enchanting music and dancing. The production had a profound impact, by changing lives and providing an invaluable and priceless experience for everyone involved.

I was thrilled to learn that Jeremy and John are committed to continuing this work with young people through THAMES MUSIC THEATRE. They plan to explore various artistic realms, including music, dance, and drama. This venture promises to be an exciting and meaningful project for the community."

A review by a former chief editor for arts progamming at the BBC:

https://www.stjohns.kingston.sch.uk/post/cinderella-photographs

For emailed enquiries: admin@thamesmt.org

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