THE first set of summer holiday activities for youngsters has already been announced by Playbox, eager to make use of its new Stratford studio.

Training and performance sessions for young theatre members will take place on Mondays and Saturdays, with more classes to be announced in September.

Holiday projects for children begin with Myth, Magic and Mystery from Monday, July 21, which is suitable for ages eight and over, entering a world of fantasy and legend exploring some of the greatest stories ever told.

This is followed by Macbeth on Saturday, August 2, and Treasure Island from Monday, August 4.

The entertainment is not just for youngsters as an evening of summer music and jazz will take place on Sunday, July 20.

But the first full performance to grace the new studio will be the company's 'unusual and extraordinary' reworking of Beauty and the Beast, inspired by the work of poet Ted Hughes, which opens for two performances on Saturday, July 26 and Sunday, July 27. At the end of the month, a special show for under fives, entitled Beautiful Soup, will open for four performances from Thursday, July 31.

For ticket details for any of the shows, contact the box office on 01926 419555.