EVERYTHING that could go wrong did go wrong, but the show went on at the Peppercorns' Christmas Cabaret.

Porla Hickman, leader of the Upton youth theatre group, said there were serious lighting and sound problems throughout the performance at Upton Memorial Hall on Sunday.

But the 28 children taking part acted like true professionals, she said.

"The kids were brilliant and totally enjoyed it. It's just a shame there were so many problems. But it's a learning curve for them," she said.

An audience of more than 100 watched as the youngsters performed songs and music including Mack the Knife, Truly Scrumptious and All That Jazz.

The group hopes to put on Oliver! next September.