In early October 2009, the Strings of  Gateshead Youth Orchestra were invited to  perform in a production of  The Beggar’s Opera by John Gay, with  First Act Theatre company.  The production was funded and supported by The Northern Rock Foundation and The  Avison Ensemble.

First Act Theatre  is one of the UK’s leading youth theatres, whose previous members (including Ant and Dec, Cheryl Cole, Donna Air, Jill Halfpenny and Lynne Wilmot) have gone on to flourishing careers in the entertainment industry.  Further details of the company can be found by visiting their  website

The Avison Ensemble is Newcastle’s outstanding period instrument orchestra which plays and popularises the music of Charles Avison and other 18th Century composers.  The Avison Ensemble is also one of the largest sponsors and supporters of the Gateshead Youth Orchestra, for which we would like to express our immense gratitude.  Further information about the ensemble can be found  by visiting their  website

A  video of selected excerpts of the production and a look behind the scenes including interviews with performers and rehearsal footage; may be found on

Rehearsal photographs  can be found on

Last Night performance photographs of the Dryden Centre Show can be found on