A YOUTH theatre group that closed due to falling numbers last year is to be re-launched.

Consett Theatre Workshop Juniors was disbanded in September after 12 years.

Producer Margaret Darroch made the decision after the group attracted only half the cast needed to stage its show.

But there has been renewed interest in the past few months, prompting Mrs Darroch to reform the juniors.

After retiring from amateur dramatics last year, she was called on to produce a version of the musical Annie for Consett, Blackhill and Shotley Bridge (CBS) Amateur Players.

"I did some work for CBS and I really enjoyed it," she said.

"Having a year off gave me time to think and I decided to give this new group a crack."

The reformed group will be open to young people aged 16 and over. Its first production will be the musical Stepping Out, made famous in a film version starring Lisa Minelli.

"I am not going to work with a cast of 50 or 60 like I used to," said Mrs Darroch. "This will be a much smaller scale."

The show will take place in the Empire Theatre, Consett, next June, and will feature the Jane Robson School of Dance. Rehearsals will start in September. For more details, call Mrs Darroch on (01207) 505619.

Published: 12/08/2004