Alison Norton's Midlands am dram round-up - July 1

One of the best children's theatre groups in the area is

, who are based at The Jubilee Hall, Brewood, where students can study musical theatre under the instruction of a very talented young lady called Lucy Parker.

Since 2008, 'the Lollipoppers' have gone from strength to strength, performing shows including High School Musical 1 and 2, The Wizard of Oz, A Christmas Carol and Oliver.

They also travelled to the O2 Arena in London recently, to perform as part of a choir of 7,500 children, helping to raise awareness for children who need fostering and adopting around the UK, at an event entitled Voice in a Million.

Their next production, Magical Musicals – West End to Broadway, starts tonight and although it's short notice, get a ticket because you won't be disappointed.

The cast will take you on a journey from the West End to Broadway with classic musical theatre favourites including songs from My Fair Lady, The Sound of Music, Grease, Les Miserables and Wicked.

There are performances this evening and tomorrow at 7.30pm and a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. For tickets priced at £6-£4, contact 01902 850788 or 07984598589. Under 5's are free, so take the kids!

For something completely different, Cider with Rosie is probably one of our best-loved books, written by poet Laurie Lee, who grew up in a small Cotswold village during the early 20th century when a tide of change swept throughout country life.

This is an autobiographical novel with a nostalgic feel. Oldbury Repertory Theatre is proud to present the stage adaptation of Cider with Rosie from July 9-16 at the Barlow Theatre, Langley.

With the use of simple sets and especially created artwork by the group's chief designer, Ray Lockey, it promises to be a wonderful production.

Keeping it in the family, Chris Smith from Hagley and his daughter, Georgina, will be appearing together for the first time as Laurie Lee and Doth respectively.

Tickets, priced at £7.50-£5.50 are available on 0121 552 2761 or from Alan Wood on 01384 832556. So many young people miss out on wonderful opportunities in the theatre, simply because it is so expensive to attend the right schools and colleges. This is so sad, but the harsh reality is that it costs in excess of £10,000 a year for courses and then living expenses on top, which in the city centre are not cheap.

One student who has taken things into her own hands is local lass, Laura Fuller, who was originally offered a place at the Royal Academy of Music back in 2009 but was unable to go then due to lack of funds. Laura is working throughout the summer to make sure she does not miss out again this year.

She is running children's musical theatre workshops for children, teaching singing and dancing at a dance school in Birmingham and even working in a bar, all to secure the deposit for her course. If she can only secure the £3,000 she needs, to begin with, the Royal Academy will be able to offer her a grant too. If Laura has been a member of your company in the past, perhaps you could sponsor her?

I know times are hard but Laura has already lost her place once which is bad enough, but to miss out a second time would be heart-breaking for her. If you can help by supporting Laura in anyway, contact her on 07548075480.

A few weeks ago I told you about BMS Musical Theatre Company, who took to the streets during the Birmingham Pride Parade to promote their forthcoming production of The Wedding Singer.

Set in the 1980s, this is a delightful show with some great company numbers including It's Your Wedding Day, Casualty of Love and an hilarious character called Grandma Rosie who brings the house down with her performance of Move That Thang!

Jessamine Cox plays heart breaker, Linda, who leaves the loveable leading man, Robbie, at the altar.

As Jessamine was married herself earlier this year, she fully appreciates the horror of her character's actions!

The group is also including a signed performance in their run on July 6. Spokesperson, Claire hemming said, "This will be a challenge to the signer as there is so much going on. We are thrilled to be offering signing to the public for the first time."

Catch The Wedding Singer at The Old Rep Theatre from July 4-9. For tickets contact 0121 245 4455 or visit www.birmingham-box.co.uk

Well that's all for this week. Contact me at a.norton@expressandstar.co.uk or call me on 0192 319662 with all your news and photographs. Break a leg!