JUST 36 hours after auditions, the curtain went up on a production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's hit show, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Durham Youth Musical Theatre is used to rehearsing over a short period, but last Saturday's performance was the most ambitious yet.

Auditions started at 9am on Friday and the curtain went up at 7.30pm the following day.

The group, which is made up of people under 25, is celebrating its 15th anniversary this year and wanted to put on a special show. David Galloway, co-producer, said: "It was hard, but it is nothing we have not done before - even if we have had a bit more time."

The performance took place in Durham Johnston Comprehensive School in Durham City.