Meet the quartet of West Yorkshire primary and secondary school students cast in an off-the-scale new staging of Brassed Off at Leeds Playhouse, which is set to raise the roof of the epic Quarry Theatre from 18 June – 11 July.

All four are members of Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre and auditioned for their roles in front of Olivier Award‑nominated and UK Theatre Award-winning director Amy Leach, who’s returning to the Quarry after the phenomenal recent success of Animal Farm and A Christmas Carol.

Oliver Bowman and Stuart Naylor, both members of the Youth Theatre Seniors Group, are sharing the role of Shane. They are joined by Aria Trijonyte, a Juniors member, and Maari Kent, who attends one of the Playhouse’s satellite youth theatre groups delivered in partnership with RJC Dance in Chapeltown, in the shared role of Melody. 

Angelica Clunes, Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre Director, said: “I am so thrilled to have some of our Youth Theatre members join the cast of Brassed Off. We try to build creative and collaborative young artists and having four of our young people chosen to be part of the cast of such an exciting production is a real testament to the fabulous work they do during their time with us.”

Brassed Off (Photo by Mike Pinches)

Oliver Bowman, 13, is a student at Temple Moor High School in Halton and has been a member of Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre for three years. He said: “I joined Youth Theatre because I was really shy. It’s helped me build my confidence loads. When I go on stage, I feel completely different. I might not be the loudest person in the room, but I’m now quietly confident. I have also made a bunch of friends.

“I’m really grateful for the opportunities I have been given and am very excited to be part of Brassed Off. I play the cornet, so I’m looking forward to hearing the bands. I also get to meet people like Robin Morrissey, who I saw in Animal Farm – one of my favourite shows I’ve ever seen.”  

Maari Kent, 11, attends Highfield Primary School in Moortown and has been a member of Youth Theatre at RJC for two years. She said: “When I heard the news about getting the role of Melody, I screamed so loudly that the neighbours probably heard! I feel really lucky and am so excited to have been given this opportunity. I’m already counting down the days to my next rehearsal.”

Brassed Off (Photo by Mike Pinches)

Aria Trijonyte, 10, attends Rothwell St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and has been a Youth Theatre member for three years. She said: “It’s a great honour to be part of such an amazing team and to have the opportunity to perform on the Quarry Theatre stage, knowing how much effort, passion and dedication goes into a creating a play. It will be an unforgettable journey.”

Stuart Naylor, 12, attends Kettlethorpe High School in Wakefield and has been a member of Youth Theatre since January. He said: “I’m so excited. This is by far the biggest role I have ever taken on and I can’t wait to get on stage.”

Marking the 30th anniversary of Mark Herman’s iconic 1996 film, Brassed Off remains a powerful, funny and deeply moving story about community, resilience and the life‑affirming power of music. The story follows the tight‑knit Yorkshire mining community of Grimley as they face the closure of their colliery and fight to keep their brass band and their dignity alive.

Combining live brass with a bold reimagining of the film’s themes for 2026, this production is a rousing tribute to solidarity, hope and the enduring power of community spirit.

Brassed Off (Photo by Mike Pinches)

Adapted for the stage by Paul Allen, this powerful new production honours the heart, humour and grit that have made Brassed Off a beloved British classic, featuring live music performed on stage by two Yorkshire brass bands: Horbury Victoria Brass Band and Wakefield Metropolitan Brass Band.

Leeds Playhouse Youth Theatre offers weekly drama sessions for 8 to 21-year-olds, led by outstanding professional artists and support workers. It’s a great opportunity for young people to connect with artists and director, to have fun, develop new skills – and maybe land a role in a major production. As well as hosting sessions at the Playhouse, there are also satellite groups at DAZL Dance in Middleton and RJC at the Mandela Centre in Chapeltown.

Brassed Off plays at Leeds Playhouse 18 June – 11 July. Tickets are available here.


Post Views: 0