BUDDING teenage actors from the area put on a show to entertain audiences at a thriving community theatre.

Six semi-professional actors age between 16 and 17 put on a production of German fairy tale Hansel and Gretel at the Civic Arts Centre in Oswaldtwistle.

The group, who perform frequent children's shows at the venue, brought the tale to life on stage in a panto style performance for the whole family.

Gayle Knight, at the Civic Arts Centre, said she was pleased with the reaction from crowds and how the sold-out show went.

She also praised the work of the actors who put hours of hard work into preparing the show.

The creative director at the Union Road centre said: "It's about trying to create drama productions for young people by young people.

"It's about giving them performance opportunities and employment opportunities as well.

"It's also about trying to raise professionalism.

"We're just trying to put on a variety of different shows.

"Hansel and Gretel can be quite dark in places so we tried to do it a little bit more panto style.

"It was a full house and everyone was on their feet applauding which is a good sign."

The production followed the story of a young brother and sister kidnapped by witches and take to her house constructed of cake and confectionery.

The group based at the centre previously carried out shoes such as Elves and the Shoemaker, Noddy and Room on the Broom.

Mrs Knight said the success of the sold-out show indicates how well the theatre is doing, and encouraged people to book ahead and keep supporting the venue.

She said: "Shows are selling out which is definitely a good thing.

"People are getting more aware of us and what we're doing, we're having stuff on every week.

"We had to turn people away on the day because tickets had sold-out.

"It's important if people are wanting to come down on the day and they don't have tickets they ring up and check, we obviously don't like turning people away."

The show will be performed again at Mrs Dowsons Farm in Blackburn in June.

To get in contact with the Civic Arts Centre call 01254 398319.