NEXT week over 100 Hampshire children will take to the King's Theatre stage in Portsmouth to perform Peter Pan, the British Musical.

This is a huge youth theatre project involving children aged from four to 18, from many different schools and from all walks of life. The cast have been working hard for the last three months, learning lines, lyrics and choreography.

Joanna Bennington, Youth Theatre Coordinator, said: “After the success of last year’s Wizard of Oz, the whole cast and creative team are looking forward to performing a bigger, better show, hopefully bringing a little bit of magic from Neverland to Southsea.”

The show will feature students from all five of the youth theatre’s teaching groups. The youth theatre’s flagship educational programme; the Leading Lights, will be heading up the cast in the principal roles of Peter, Wendy and Hook to name but a few. The cast also includes castings from all other teaching groups within the youth theatre; Theatre Bugs, Bright Stars and Spotlights.

This is the first time the youth theatre production has included students from their newest age-stream, Act 1 Beginners (4-7yrs old) as they help show Peter and the children the way to Neverland.

And for Sophie Nickerson and Chevonne Baker this will be their last time performing with the youth theatre before leaving Portsmouth for university.

Peter Pan, written by author J. M. Barrie, tells the story of the legend of a boy who never grew up. Barrie’s eternally enchanting story will be brought to life with a rich musical score featuring singing pirates, daring swordfights, and fantastical make-believe, Peter Pan is a story that is filled with magic, swashbuckling fun and a fairy dusting of heartbreak.

WHERE: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, Hampshire PO5 2QJ

WHEN: Friday 1st July, 7pm & Saturday 2nd July; 2pm & 7pm

Box Office 02392 828282

Groups: 02392 852232