MALVERN Theatre Players is looking to foster a new generation of young talent with plans for a youth production added to its 25th anniversary season.

The initiative follows the success of The Chrysalids last year, which involved a number of young actors and actresses in leading parts.

The company has opted to stage Shake, Ripple and Roll, a musical set in 50s America, at the Malvern Theatres from April 24-27 next year.

The production, written by Jenifer Toksvig with music by David Perkins, will come complete with rock 'n' roll songs and high-energy dancing. It was first performed by the Yvonne Arnaud Theatre in 1999.

The Malvern production will be directed by Sue Lupton, with John Frith as musical director and Janet Lupino as choreographer.

A large cast of principals and chorus will be needed and the group will be auditioning performers aged between 12 and 20 next month.

However, in advance of the auditions there is a chance for young people to get a taste of the action with free workshop sessions on November 24 and December 9 at Theatre House. Places will be limited and should be booked on 01684 569011.

Chris Bassett, the company manager, said: "Historically, the pantos that we produced each year for 23 years, up until last year, provided a huge number of opportunities for youngsters to get involved.

"That's over now but we still get an enormous number of inquiries from young people who are interested in drama, but outside school there is very little opportunity for them.

"It was to fill that need that we put on The Chrysalids last year, which involved a number of young people, and Shake, Ripple and Roll follows on from that.

"If we get young people interested now, then in years downstream, they move up to the adult productions."

Ahead of Shake, Ripple and Roll will be a production of Stephen Sondheim's A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, MTP's Christmas production.

Set in Rome in 2BC, the musical farce will be directed by Marie Louise Doherty with musical direction by Philip Holland.

Appropriately enough, it will be staged at The Forum at the Malvern Theatres from January 16-19.