YOUNG singers, actors and dancers in Darlington are making their final preparations for their big show.

More than 30 youngsters will perform Olivia! at St Augustine's Parish Hall on Larchfield Street later this month.

Not to be confused with Oliver!, the show not only tells the story of an orphan girl on the streets of London, but features famous literary characters Sherlock Holmes, Scrooge and Eliza Doolittle.

"We've even had teenagers working back stage and all our young people have been working incredibly hard," said Mandy Young, assistant director at St Augustine's Repertory Society, or Stars.

"For a lot of them, it's their first show, and they've all developed hugely. They've gained so much confidence and we couldn't be prouder.

"They've even gone for the tricky, full cockney accents although we've a London lass with us, keeping them right. It's a fast-paced, exciting musicial and we've got a cracking show, songs, dances and a first class story. It's got everything."

The youngsters are all aged from ten to 20 and many come from St Augustine's and St Bede's primary schools and Carmel RC Secondary School, in Darlington although one or two come from as far as Durham and York.

The show will be staged from Thursday, June 20 to Saturday, June 22, and there will be a matinee on the Saturday.

Tickets cost £5 for adults, £4 concessions and £3 for under-18s. Log on to starsdarlington.co.uk/, email sheilaghcnjmay1@gmail.com or call 07976-780-850 to buy tickets.