A YOUTH theatre is embarking on a production of the feel-good musical Hairspray.

The Crash Bang Wallop Youth Theatre (CBW) in Stokesley open at the Forum, Northallerton, from Thursday, July 3 to Saturday, July 5.

Set in 1960s Baltimore, the story follows teenager Tracy Turnblad’s quest to become a dancer on her favourite TV show, despite the fact that she doesn’t have the ‘right image’.

Nunthorpe teenager Joseph Wetherell, 15, will take on the lead role of larger-than-life Edna Turnblad, a female role traditionally played by a man. He is following in the footsteps of Teesside actor Mark Benton, who played the role when he toured with the show last year.

The Stokesley School pupil said he watched as many clips of the professionals as possible to pick up techniques on how to play a woman.

“It’s really difficult,” he said.

“The way women walk, sit, stand and even hold their hands is completely different to a man it’s been quite stressful having to learn all of that as well as my lines.”

The production involves a cast of 41 young actors aged from six to 18.

Tickets, priced £9 concessions and £11 adults, are available from the CBW box office on 01642-722192. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, and there is also a Saturday matinee at 2pm.