TALENTED local young performers from around the county have beaten off strong competition from hundreds of other youngsters, to secure coveted lead juvenile roles in a most eagerly awaited musical visiting Malvern’s Festival Theatre.

They will appear when ABD’s professional production of Peter Pan flies in from tomorow eveing - Wednesday, August 22 through to Saturday, August 26.

The lead roles of John and Michael Darling will be played by real life brothers Lochie and Raphael Reid.

The boys both attend The Downs, Malvern, where Lochie has obtained a drama scholarship.

They will be joined by 10-year-old Chanel Fulton as Tinker Bell. Already an accomplished young singer and dancer, Chanel attends Northleigh School and is a pupil at Ballet Malvern.

The professional ABD Productions cast has been working with two teams of local youngsters in the run up to the performances.

Director/writer Anne Dalton said: “I wanted to give so many of your talented youngsters the opportunity of working with our company on this large scale production. I don’t normally take so many into this production on tour but I was so spoilt for choice at audition I couldn’t resist!”

Based on the much loved classic by JM Barrie, the musical is a swashbuckling romp from start to finish, fast paced and colourful with energetic fights and flying.

The main role of Peter Pan is being played by West End and television's Billy Elliott, Elliott Hanna. Meanwhile the role of Mrs Darling will star Phantom of the Opera's Janet Cowley.

Apart from Peter Pan, The Darlings, Captain Hook, his sidekick Smee, the pirate crew of the Jolly Roger, Indians and Lost Boys there are some exciting episodes from Barrie’s original story introducing new friends.

The Neverbird, a nosey, know-it all feathered friend, romps and gossips happily with the audience, leading them through the story. Dancing Planets and Spheres light the way across the sky, Water Sprites and Dragonflies inhabit the Mermaid Lagoon while the Friendly Flames help to rescue Peter.

Anne Dalton is best known for her sell out musical “Her Benny” which won the International Quest For New Musicals, judged by Cameron Mackintosh and Richard Stilgoe and is currently on tour, along with several of her other musicals.

She says she is delighted to be visiting Malvern Theatres and she has been overwhelmed by the talent and professionalism of all involved and the welcome she and ABD Productions have received.

Peter Pan will be on stage Wednesday to Saturday at 1.30 and 6.30pm and on Sunday at 1.30pm.