Budding performers take to the stage in 'Baghead'

A group of North Devon youngsters take to the stage next week at Barnstaple's Fringe TheatreFest in a play they have written and produced themselves.

Local youth arts group Seize the Moment Ltd has teamed up with White Hippos Productions theatre company to give a group of 14 young people the opportunity to write, create and star in their own play at the North Devon Festival.

Workshops and rehearsals started in February and week by week a story and performance have grown from the ideas of the participants in the group.

The project has been provided in partnership with North Devon Council as part of the Play Project, funded by the Big Lottery Fund.

"Baghead" is the story of a young princess who, after falling out with her overbearing Mother, sets out on an adventure. In a fairy-tale land of mystery and magic the brave warrior princess has to fight for her survival... with a bag on her head!

The plot outline was created during a storytelling workshop and the group has brought the story to life, adding faeries, dragons, werewolves and man-eating tribes among many other creations in the process.

Executive member for culture Councillor Derrick Spear says: "This will be an amazing experience for the young people involved – it's the result of weeks of hard work and to see their own thoughts and experiences transported to the stage will be a proud moment for all involved. The council is really pleased to have helped provide this experience as part of the Big Lottery play project."

Director of White Hippos Productions Mark Ashmore says: "The problem with many youth theatre groups is that they try and force an agenda or social commentary into the piece. The great thing about Seize the Moment is that they take the time to find out what the children involved in their workshops are actually interested in saying and provide them with a way for them to express it."

"Baghead" is being performed in The Studio Gallery at the Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple on Thursday 23 June at 6.15pm, Friday 24 June at 6.30pm and Saturday 25 June at 4.15pm. Tickets cost £5 or £3 for concessions and are available from the Queen's Theatre box office on 01271 324242 or online at www.northdevonfestival.org.