Aldridge youngsters to shine in production of The Secret Garden

Aldridge Youth Theatre, based on Noddy Park Road, will take to the stage at their base on April 21-23 from 7.30pm in the production, which involves a number of youngsters aged 15 to 18 years old.

The performance, based on the Frances Hodgson Burnett novel of the same name, is led by renowned director Neville Ellis and follows the much celebrated 65th anniversary of the company last year.

Linda Symonds from the company said: "We started our first season in 1949-1950. The company started off as the Brownhills travelling theatre, which was the brain child of a lady called Sylvia Cartwright. She always wanted the company to have its own theatre and we were lucky enough to obtain some funding to get in built back in 1977, when it was opened by Bernard Hepton."

The theatre company had only just finished their 13 performances long pantomime earlier this year when rehearsals for The Secret Garden began.

"We finished the panto in the January and shortly after that the youngsters auditioned for their parts in this new production," Mrs Symonds added.

"There's such a lot to think about - we have to consider when the children are each available and work around their quite hectic schedules as well as make sure that we get in enough rehearsal time.

"Then we need to check to make sure no other theatre company in the area are putting on the same show. The chairman of the production company discovered the version of the play, adapted by Jessica Swale and decided it would work for us. Since then the youngsters have worked exceptionally hard to make sure it's ready for curtains up on the 21st."

For more information visit http://www.aldridgeyouththeatre.co.uk/ or call 01922 458615.

The Box Office is open on Monday and Thursday evenings from 7-9pm and Saturday morning from 10.30am-midday. Tickets are priced £7 for adults and £6 for concessions.