Paul puts on his own anti-gang musical

RICHARD CASTLE

A BURTON College student is addressing gang culture in a self-penned musical to be performed at the townʼs Brewhouse arts centre.

Intertwined, written and codirected by 17-year-old Paul Syrstad, debuts at the Union Street venue on Friday, December 11.

The Willington teenager, currently studying a diploma in performing arts, penned the script based on music he had written.

He said: "This is the first big production I've written. I've always written songs, having played the piano from a very early age, and wrote a song about gang culture - Stand Up and Be Counted.

"I started storyboarding based on that song and came up with an ending with a twist, from which Intertwined grew."

Intertwined focuses on hero Noel's struggle to quit a UK gang to pursue a love interest after a close friend is stabbed to death.

Paul, of Trent Avenue, says his influences range from Steven Sondheim to Elton John and the songs in Intertwined reflect that diversity.

He said: "There's a wide range of styles in the production, from overtly musical music, to blues, jazz and rock."

Paul was born in Malaga, Spain, after his Norwegian father and English mother met while working in Kuwait.

The former John Port School pupil's family soon moved to Dubai, before settling in England around six years ago.

Paul, who also acts in his production, feels his travels have helped his craft, taking in a diverse range of cultures.

But it was in Willington that Paul found those able to help him turn his script and music into a tangible production.

He said: "Ed Watkins and Robert Scott, who are both friends from the village, have helped write and arrange the music.

"Robert has staged productions in the West End and has used his experience to help set things up. I'd also like to thank the Mellow Dramatics for letting us use their set."

Paul performed in a feature film, The Perfect Burger, in the summer, which is due to be released next year.

More information and music from Intertwined is available online at intertwined.ws.