Stage set for Children of Eden

The curtain goes up tonight for Musical Youth Theatre Stafford's new stage show.

Children of Eden is being performed on the main stage at Stafford Gatehouse until Saturday.

The 68 young performers aged eight to 17 have been rehearsing the musical written by Stephen Schwartz, who also wrote the hit show Wicked, since January.

Last night the young cast and the only adult performer Andrew Ridal, aged 29, who plays the central role of Father had the final dress rehearsal at the Gatehouse.

There is a Biblical theme to the show with the first half being the story of Adam and Eve and Cain and Abel and the second telling the story of Noah's Ark.

There will be performances each day at 7.30pm until Saturday when there will be a matinee at 2.30pm.

MYTS was set up four years ago to find new talent for Stafford and District Operatic Society and young performers aged eight to 18 have since performed a series of well-received revues and full musicals.

Tickets are still available at £11 for adults and £9 children for the midweek dates and £8 and £6 for the matinee. Call the Gatehouse box office on 01785 254653 or e-mail tickets@myts.org.uk