Youngstagers celebrate 21st anniversary with messages from the stars

INTERNATIONAL stars of stage and screen have written

messages of good luck and happy anniversary wishes to Saltash theatre group

Youngstagers, as they celebrate 21 years of entertaining the local community.

Special cards were received from stars Sir Tim Rice, Michael

Ball, Dawn French, Phillip Schofield, Spice Girls Melanie C and Emma Bunton,

Christopher Biggins, Arlene Phillips, Tim Minchin, Amanda Holden, ex-Youngstager

and star of the West End production of Billy Elliot, Josh Fedrick, as well as a

letter of congratulations from the BBC Strictly Come Dancing team who

encouraged them to 'keep dancing'.

Youngstagers performed their first show 'A Very Special

Christmas' in 1991 and this week will perform it once again as part of the 21st

anniversary celebrations with a new generation of enthusiastic youngsters.

Original members have also been invited to the Saturday night performance for a

special reunion and after show reception.

With past members going on to appear in the West End and

international touring productions, the award-winning group invite young people

aged from 7-17 to learn and enjoy the aspects of theatre; from dance to music

and acting, while also making lifelong friends.

With no audition process, Youngstagers encourage the youth from the community

to 'have a go' and in turn produce popular shows for the people of Saltash and

beyond - as well as raising money for local charities.

The group were presented with the display during rehearsals

for 'A Very Special Christmas', which takes place this weekend at the Burraton

Community Centre in Saltash. Friday 7th December at 7.30pm, Saturday

8th December at 2.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets are available from

Piglets or Polnoon Pasties in Saltash or by ringing 07960 125947.