A group of young people in Dartford will dazzle audiences when it presents its Christmas production next week.

Nearly 100 young people of the Orchard Youth Theatre have been working on Oliver, The Musical for several months. They are between the ages of 11 and 18 and are performing all the roles and controlling all technical aspects of the production.

Blunderbus Theatre Company, based at the Mick Jagger Centre, has helped bring the project to the stage.

Bill Davies, the company's artistic director, said: "It's about empowering young people so they can run the whole show themselves."

About 50 parents are also involved in making scenery, costumes and props.

The young people are responsible for every aspect of the production. They have had to learn how to set up and run the stage management and wardrobe departments and everyone has a speaking part.

Davies said Blunderbus has spent a lot of time organising it all and teaching the necessary skills: "We've got a choreographer, singing teacher, pianist and two drama tutors. We have a lot of input but it's not about 'do it this way', it's about showing them then letting them run with it."

Last year the Youth Theatre staged Scrooge which was a runaway success. Most of the youngsters and parents have come back for this year's production.

They will lead the audience through the full gamut of emotions, as the rags-to-riches life of Oliver Twist is magically brought to life through music and song. Be sure to take your hankies.

Dec 7 & 8, Oliver The Musical, Mick Jagger Centre, Shepherds Lane, Dartford, Dec 7, 7pm, Dec 8, 10.30am, 2.30pm and 7pm, £5/£7.50, family ticket £20, 01322 220000.

November 26, 2001 17:57

Joan Gardner