ACTOR and singer Richard Swerrun - star of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat - will be highlighting the talents of local youngsters in his latest show at Malvern Theatres next month.

A Little Bit of Show Business is the first from Richard's Merlin Productions, which he set up specially for the project.

"I had a dream a few years ago that I wanted to take some children and show them what it is like to work on a professional show, rather than the environment of a drama college or dancing school," said Richard, who lives in Malvern when not touring or working in London.

As a result, he held a series of auditions, selected 40 youngsters aged ten to 18 and began to build the show around them.

"There are ten three-hour rehearsals, rather than the whole term they would get at art drama college. They get to see how the professionals work and they realise that it's up to them to learn that scene, learn those lyrics, learn that dance routine."

Richard constructed the show around the specific talents of the youngsters and so it encompasses a wide variety of acts.

"To give an example, one girl has got a marvellous jazz-bluesy voice, two of the boys write great songs, so we use their talents," he said.

"They are all great kids and it is a pleasure to work with them."

Guests who have been working with the youngsters and who will be appearing in the show, include Charlotte Page, who has appeared in The Phantom Of The Opera and is a principal singer with the English National Opera.

Patricia Leonard, principal mezzo-soprano from the D'Oyly Carte, and Davis Steadman, musical director of Whistle Down The Wind and Joseph, are also taking part.

A Little Bit of Show Business is on Tuesday, November 25, at 7.30pm. Tickets at £6 and £8, available from the box office on 01684 892277.

Also coming to the Malvern Theatres is Reach for the Start on November 19-24, the 24th annual production by Midlands Musical Theatre Group (MMTG).

It pays tribute to the great singers and great songs, which include numbers by the Beatles, David Essex, the Carpenters, Perry Como, Barry Manilow, Nat King Cole and many more, plus songs from popular musicals and even a snatch of opera.

MMTG's comedy team, headed by Barry North, will be providing the laughs, while its dancers set your foot tapping.

Rehearsals are in full swing and MMTG members are busy working on props, costumes and scenery.

Tickets are £9 to £11, available from the box office or from Carole and Tony Langford on 01905 4235299.