SIXTY-four youngsters from a city drama group are gearing up for the rock 'n' roll musical Return to the Forbidden Planet, which launches into Worcester's Swan Theatre next week.

Members of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section have been rehearsing for the past six months to attain near-perfection with their show.

It has everything - comedy, romance, a softhearted robot, mad professor, dazzling dancing and a selection of hit songs from the 50s and 60s.

The interplanetary adventure is set on a spaceship and WODYS "ground crew" will be turning the Swan stage into something that resembles a scene from Star Trek.

One of Britain's best-loved comedy performers, Nicholas Parsons, is on board as the newsreader, appearing on video screen several times throughout the musical.

And actor Trevor Harrison - famous for his portrayal of that loveable rogue Eddie Grundy in Radio 4's The Archers - has agreed to present the cheque to representatives of this year's WODYS charity, Crohn's in Childhood Research Association.

The musical opens at the Swan Theatre on Tuesday, August 3 and runs until Saturday, 7.

For tickets, call Huntingdon Arts Box Office, on 01905 611427.