CHESTER Performs, producer of Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre, has announced a new company of 30 young local people will form this year’s Grosvenor Park Young Theatre Company.

After weeks of scouring the region’s budding theatre talent, and nearly 100 applications later, Chester Performs is ready to see the troop of participants, aged 16-24, flourish under expert guidance.

The Young Theatre Company will soon assemble for three intensive weeks of workshops and rehearsals, culminating in performances on August 12 and 13 at 7.30pm.

Throughout the project’s duration, the cast and crew will rehearse next to the critically acclaimed theatre’s stage, in the stunning setting of Grosvenor Park.

Amber Knipe, programme manager for Chester Performs, said: “We were very impressed by the quality of applications we received from aspiring young people. We are so excited to see them blossom as they learn from and perform on the same stage as Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre professionals.”

Cheshire resident and Cambridge graduate Michael Christie has been selected to be this year’s scriptwriter.

Having already written and directed two plays, Michael’s third, I Was Adored Once, will be performed and staged by The Young Theatre Company in the open air.

The young writer has been mentored by award-winning playwright Glyn Maxwell, whose play Masters Are You Mad? is currently being performed at the unique picnic theatre.

Michael said: “To work on the Young Theatre Company project is an opportunity I’m very grateful for. It’s been a privilege to work with a great writer like Glyn Maxwell and the project will be of tremendous help for my future development as a writer.”

I Was Adored Once is a prequel to Shakespeare’s classic comedy Twelfth Night and completes the Grosvenor Park Open Air Theatre ‘Illyrian trilogy’.

Tickets are on sale now. To book, visit www.chesterperforms.com/youngtheatre, call the box office on 0845 241 7868 or go to Chester Visitor Centre.