Youth Music Theatre
We have to report the recent death of one of YMT's staunchest supporters, especially during our earliest years - Alan Keen MP. Alan was a long standing Labour (and Co-operative) MP who sat on the Select Committee for Culture Media and Sport. He had lifelong interests in football, music and politics and was one of the most respected constituency MP in Parliament, as one could tell by the turnout at his tribute evening at the House of Commons on Tuesday evening which was attended by a large number of MPs from both parties. I was pleased to have been asked to make a short tribute on behalf of YMT to recognise his support in setting up the company. (Although being sandwiched between speeches by Ed Miliband and Neil Kinnock is a rather daunting experience!)
Alan was well aware of the background events which led to the establishment of YMT, had spoken on our behalf both in the DCMS Select Committee and at Arts Council England and carried on lengthy correspondences with potential supporters. He fully supported our aims of creating a national company for young people which offered outstanding creative and personal development opportunities within a safe pastoral care environment.
Alan was a quiet, kind, considerate but determined man, someone who appeared to have few personal political ambitions other than to represent his constituents and those whom he felt needed his support. He had enormous concern for others and especially for young people, both through football and music and part of his considerable legacy is YMT. He will be much missed.
Jon Bromwich
Executive Producer. | 
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