TALENTED young actors rose to the occasion to take on the sensitive subjects of cancer and autism in their latest production Spoonface Steinberg.

Chester Theatre Club’s Youth Group performed its version of Lee Hall’s moving radio monologue at the Little Theatre in Gloucester Street on July 13 and 14.

The production tells the story of an autistic eight-year-old girl who is dying of cancer and the 11 members of the youth group adapted it into an ensemble performance involving live music, specially created film sequences and drama.

Although the subject of the play sounds grim and depressing, the award-winning monologue in fact has a very uplifting message celebrating the joy of living.

Youth group leader Jenny Shryane, who specialises in theatre for young people, said: “It was the most challenging material that the group has tackled so far, both in terms of the subject matter and the multi media approach. Our young members turned in excellent performances and treated the subject matter sensitively, showing off their dramatic skills to the full.”

Money raised from the two performances has been donated to CLIC Sargent, a charity which supports the families of children with cancer.

The youth group initiative was launched at Chester Theatre Club last September with the aim of helping budding young actors develop their skills in various areas of theatre and performance.

The youth group’s next project will be a summer school from July 30 to August 4. Daily sessions will run from 10.30am to 4pm and the project will be exploring Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

On Friday, September 14 the youth group starts work on an historical piece based on Laurie Lee’s short story The Village That Lost Its Children. Sessions run each Friday from 7-9pm.

Anyone aged between 12 and 18 who is interested in taking part in these future projects should contact Jenny Shryane at info@chesterclub.co.uk.