A 15-YEAR-OLD screenwriter has been forced to study the older craft of writing for the stage after the theft of cameras scuppered a planned production.

Russell Grey, from Stockton, originally wrote his screenplay to take advantage of The Stockton Arc Theatre's three television cameras.

However, those cameras, worth £3,000 each, were stolen so Mr Grey has adapted his play, about a medical experiment gone wrong, for the stage instead.

The play, called Touch of Death, will be performed by members of The Arc's Saturday morning art club on Saturday, at 7.30pm.

Mr Grey's story is about a student who is duped into taking part in a medical experiment which goes wrong. As a result, the young woman kills anyone she touches.

More than 25 young people, who meet every week between 10am and 5pm, have worked on the play and created their own set design and costumes.

Kelly Binks, course leader and a television assistant director, said the cameras were stolen earlier in the year.

She said: "It has been hard because camera work was my field of expertise.

"We've all had to work together. It's been a big success with 25 young people coming each week.

"The writing standard of the play is excellent and, although I have had to adapt it slightly to fit the requirements of a live performance, it is primarily Russell's own work."

The performance will also include a talent showcase for children to perform other skills which they have learned, including singing, dancing and comedy.

Published: 24/08/2004