DREAM will become reality next week when Weymouth's new youth theatre group takes to the stage for its first performance.

The all-singing and dancing production is based on three of Aesop's fables and includes some important messages for us all.

Theatre group organisers hope the production will become a valuable educational resource and be performed by schoolchildren in the future.

The Footlights Theatre Group was launched when Weymouth dance teacher Tanya Lonergan invited youngsters to attend singing, dancing, acting and mime workshops hosted by local professionals in May this year.

She said she wanted to create a theatre group for children and young adults which did not require an audition to enter.

A junior section was created for eight-11-year-olds and a senior section for 11-16-year-olds and youngsters were put through their paces.

The show, called It's In The Bag, has been written by former stand-up comic and TV scriptwriter Leyton John, with music written and performed by local musicians Steve Wilson and Julie Lewis.

Leyton, who is also directing, said: "Tanya asked me to come up with something pretty abstract that included a bit of magic.

"It is set in a playground and features a gang who like to bully and tease others. The underlying message is about behaviour."

Tanya, who is producing the show, said: "The youngsters have been working on this project for ten weeks and have put in so much. They have been very enthusiastic about taking the show forward and have been encouraged to take responsibility for their roles.

"Most of them have not been on the stage before and have no experience of performing to an audience so this is a big step for them. We have been very impressed with the way they have shown an interest and helped the dream become a reality."

Tanya said she has been investigating links with schools and how the show can be marketed together with a work-pack so other youngsters can perform it.

In the meantime, It's In The Bag can be seen at the Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room on Tuesday, November 27. The juniors will perform the show from 7pm to 8pm while the seniors will take to the stage between 8.30 and 9.30pm.

Tickets are available from the Pavilion box office on (01305) 783225 or from June Hornby's Weymouth Dance Studio on (01305) 775682.