by Will Davies Talented youngsters are making a song and dance at the launch of a new musical theatre project tomorrow. Aspire, a youth theatre company created last summer, has brought together more than a hundred bright stars aged 11 to

by Will Davies

Talented youngsters are making a song and dance at the launch of a new musical theatre project tomorrow.

Aspire, a youth theatre company created last summer, has brought together more than a hundred bright stars aged 11 to 25 to create Kross Roadz, an original piece of musical theatre.

A fusion of original contemporary song and dance, the story follows the dreams, struggles and confusions of 16-year-old Stephanie.

Exploring the themes of identity, peer pressure and responsibility, it tells the tale of being a young refugee trying to find her place in a modern London school.

Aspire has been a tremendous success story for youngsters wanting to try their hands at staging a production.

The young talents have been getting creative not just on stage but designing sets, creating the music and choreography, marketing the show, designing costumes and setting up lighting and sound.

Top set designer Yann Seabra, a team of PR consultants, song-writers and professional actors have been guiding the young cast and crew through the process, offering valuable careers advice along the way.

With plans to tour the musical, there will be new opportunities for more youngsters to get involved.

Petergaye Palmer,17, who plays, Deevah, said: "I got involved in this project because I want to gain more self-confidence and also improve my public speaking skills, meet new people and most importantly do something I love and have fun doing!

"Being a young person in today's society can sometimes be tedious and challenging, however the potential of young individuals today far outshines the negative portrayal."

Kross Roadz hits the stage tomorrow, Friday and Saturday at Granville Plus Youth Arts Centre, 80 Granville Road, London NW6 5RA. Starts 7.30pm.

Tickets are �7.50 for adults and �5 for children aged 16 and under.

To reserve tickets call Richard on 0207 6044620.

w.davies@archant.co.uk