DOZENS of excited teenagers in one place might seem like a recipe for disaster.

But the Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO) are a competent bunch and are currently putting their boundless energy into making their silver anniversary show Oklahoma! their best yet.

Renowned for slick productions, ranging from Gilbert & Sullivan to Les Miserables, MYCO’s present 50-strong company were just a twinkle in their daddies’ eyes when the company was set up in 1988.

Musical director Julie Tranter said: “Oxford Operatic Society realised it needed to build a youth membership, so the Oxford Operatic Youth Theatre was born.

“The first committee was made entirely of members of Oxford Operatic, including Rod and Barbara Denton who oversaw the development of the group as parents took over the running of the organisation.

“It later became independent and changed its name to Musical Youth Company of Oxford (MYCO). The rest, as they say, is history.”

Dr Tranter, lives in Islip and works as a GP in the village. She said: “I got involved when I was asked to help with some vocal coaching for a show (Me and My Girl) and I ended up as musical director.

“MYCO is different from other youth theatre groups in that it works as a company through the year – not only producing its main show, but also putting on concerts and raising money for charity. MYCO has raised £15,000 alone for Helen & Douglas House Hospice.”

MYCO rehearses weekly and, while some go on to study the performing arts and even make a living from it, others use what they learn purely as a way of broadening their talents and meeting new friends.

George Watkins, 18, from Minchery Farm, is a pupil at Matthew Arnold School and is playing the lead role of Curly in Oklahoma! before pursuing his dream of becoming an opera singer.

He said: “The best bit about MYCO for me is the experience you gain from being surrounded by people who all have a passion for theatre.

“I am starting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in September on the four-year classical vocal studies course, with a view to becoming a professional opera singer.”

Grace McInerny, 18, joined MYCO aged 12 and lives in Islip. Oklahoma! will be the Cherwell School A-Level student’s sixth show and she is playing flirtatious farm girl Gertie Cummings.

She said: “I joined MYCO because I knew a lot of older teenagers who were in the company and because of how much fun it looked. “I am now hoping for a career on the stage.” O

livia Ridley, 14, lives in Eynsham and attends Bartholomew School. She is in her first year at MYCO after auditioning last spring. She said: “I’d been looking out for a high-quality youth company to join for a while. “I haven’t been a member of MYCO long enough to have played any parts yet, but hopefully in the future this will change.”

Oklahoma! is set in the early 1900s and tells of the high-spirited rivalry between local farmers and cowboys. Songs include Oh What a Beautiful Morning and I’m Just a Girl Who Can’t Say No. The show is at the Headington Theatre from April 9 to 13. For tickets call 07827 645839.

For more information go to myco.org.uk