Footlights Youth Theatre, the junior section of Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society, has been performing in a variety of venues since its formation in the year 2000. Our members are aged eight to eighteen years and we perform two shows annually, rehearsing on Sunday mornings throughout the year.

The company began as EOMSJS (Eastleigh Operatic and Musical Society Junior Section) and was formed by then 18-year-olds Simon Pontin, David Tatnall and Rebecca Weatherall, their first production being Oliver! at Colden Common Community Centre.  

Changes of venue to the Theatre Royal Winchester, The Plaza Theatre Romsey and the Nuffield Theatre Southampton followed these early beginnings. Along the way NODA awards and Daily Echo Curtain Call awards were gained and the name was changed to Footlights Youth Theatre. In 2014 the resident production team decided to move to pastures new and to hand over to a new team of parents and friends.

The first production with the new team was Joseph and His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat. FYT went on to win the NODA Accolade of Excellence and the Margaret Coltman Trophy for the Best Youth Show for Les Misérables (School Edition) performed at The Point in Eastleigh.  

Summer shows have included a move back to The Plaza, Romsey for Salad Days in 2016 and a debut at The Berry Theatre, Hedge End for Little Shop of Horrors in 2017 which won the NODA Regional Youth Award for the Best Youth Production in our region and the NODA Award of Excellence for the Best Musical Production (adult and youth) in an area covering more than half of Hampshire.  

In 2019 we returned to the Plaza to enjoy sell out audiences for our production of Grease. This was followed by Seussical Junior and a highly successful showcase in 2020, just before the COVID lockdown, which caused a two-year gap in our activities.

We achieve all of this with a very small team of adults and an income derived solely from cast subscriptions and ticket sales. In addition, our productions always support local charities with after show collections.  

We are a lively and very friendly group where everyone is encouraged to shine. New members are always made welcome and we do not expect any prior experience.  

If you are interested in joining us or would consider us a worthwhile cause to sponsor, please email us at: 
info@footlightsyouththeatre.co.uk or come and speak to one of us at the production.