King Charles met Birmingham musical theatre students and revealed his secret passion for dance. He disclosed he owned a pair of tap shoes as he joined Sir Idris Elba at an event celebrating young talent in the industry.
Royal Visit to NYMT Anniversary
Charles met National Youth Music Theatre performers and students from Birmingham CORE Education schools to mark NYMT's 50th anniversary in Victoria, central London, on Thursday, May 14.
Bill, an NYMT member, told the Press Association the King had mentioned owning tap shoes. He said the King asked him, 'Do you learn to tap dance?' and added, 'He said he owns his own tap shoes and we offered to teach him.' Asked whether a lesson had been scheduled, the 21-year-old said, 'We failed, but we will follow up.'
Shakespeare Advice and Workshops
The King also shared his thoughts on Shakespeare with the students, insisting the best way to understand the playwright's work was to 'actually act it'. Addressing a group taking part in a workshop, Charles asked, 'Are you all keen on Shakespeare?' The students nodded and responded enthusiastically with 'yes'. The King then enquired, 'Have you actually acted in a Shakespeare play?' and upon learning they hadn't, Charles remarked, 'The best way to understand it is to actually act it.'
At The Other Palace studio, the King and Sir Idris met students participating in drama and musical theatre workshops, before watching a performance by a choir comprising young NYMT performers in the theatre's main auditorium. 'It's a bit surreal right now,' Xanthe, 23, told PA following her warm-up for the royal performance, which featured a medley of Songs For A New World by Jason Robert Brown and Sunday by Stephen Sondheim.
Idris Elba's Inspiring Journey
Toby, 22, revealed he taught the King a 'warm-down technique' involving blowing through a straw to soothe your vocal cords. At 18, Sir Idris used funding from The Prince's Trust, now The King's Trust, to join NYMT, a charity providing music theatre opportunities and experiences to young people. The actor, recognised for his roles in The Wire and Luther, told students his school drama teacher introduced him to NYMT. 'It was amazing, changed my life,' he said. He continued, 'The King's (Trust) helped me get into the school. It was amazing.'
Tochi, 18, who performed the first solo in the performance for the King, told PA, 'It was kind of crazy because I found out like three days ago. They (Sir Idris and the King) were so lovely. The reason why I wanted to do NYMT is because Idris Elba did it, so it's just crazy that I've got to meet him. He's lived up to the expectations, he's so lovely.'
Birmingham Students Impress the King
The students from CORE schools in Birmingham were improvising how they might react if they saw the King when Charles himself walked into the room. Charles was impressed and smiled as the acting teacher announced, 'Three, two, one, come to life,' prompting the crowd of students to explode with excitement. 'You've got good teachers who encourage you,' the King told them. He also enquired whether they had to 'go through some kind of fiendish test to get here (on their musical theatre course).'
Before the performance, which featured a velvet 'CR' cushion marking his place, the King sliced a '50' cake and participated in a group photograph with the young performers and students. Charles also greeted staff and supporters of NYMT to learn about their journey to reaching the milestone anniversary.
Founder's Delight
The organisation's founder, Jeremy James Taylor, said of the King's visit, 'That's the first time I've met the great man himself and it's wonderful to see him. Wonderful.' He said he was 'delighted' at NYMT's 50th anniversary. 'Long may it continue,' he said. Prior to the King's departure, he greeted members of the public who had gathered outside the studio on the street as they waved and cheered.
Along with Sir Idris, the organisation's former students include Jude Law, Stephen Graham, Toby Jones, Amara Okereke and Callum Scott Howells.
