YORK Stage Musicals artistic director Nik Briggs is to revive and update their hit musical Spring Awakening later this month at 41 Monkgate, York.

Although YSM has built a following from producing large-scale shows such as this year’s Sister Act, with Hairspray to come next Easter, the company is also no stranger to staging lesser-known productions. How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Bad Girls: The Musical and Stepping Out all feature in their past repertoire.

For Nik Briggs, the YSM programme must amount to more than the crowd pullers. “I want to bring a Fringe feel to York by producing the smaller scale, more artistic shows that cater for different types of audiences,” he says.

His production will have that feel at 41 Monkgate from October 29 to November 1. Normally home to Upstage Centre Youth Theatre, this black-box theatre space will house a minimalist modern set for Briggs’s re-imagining of Robert Readman’s show four years ago.

The decision to revive the piece was prompted by the theatrical talent in York able to cope with emotionally demanding roles.

Familiar faces will include Ashley Standland from YSM’s production of The Phantom Of The Opera; Lee West, last seen as Willie Lopez in Ghost; and Daniel McGuinnes, who was Danny Zuko inYSMs production of Grease last year.

“I’m blown away by our cast and their aptitude for portraying this story so truthfully,” says Nik, whose company includes up-and-coming performers too. “A show like this is a testament to the high calibre of talent we have in York.”

Based on Frank Wedekind’s 1891 play Spring Awakening, Steven Sater and Duncan Sheik’s pop/rock musical deals with hard-hitting subjects associated with teenagers growing up in a world ruled by adults. Adult themes, such as sex, homosexuality, suicide and teenage pregnancy, all feature in this gritty drama.

Nik will be joined in his production team by choreographer Lesley Hill and musical directors Dan Hield and Tom Marlow. Tickets for the 7.30pm performances are available in person from the York Theatre Royal box office, on 01904 623568, at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk or on the door, but booking in advance is advised.