HONK if you love seeing youngsters getting up on stage and having fun!That ought to be the car sticker publicising a funky new show set to be presented at Felixstowe's seafront theatre next week.

By Richard Cornwell

HONK if you love seeing youngsters getting up on stage and having fun!

That ought to be the car sticker publicising a funky new show set to be presented at Felixstowe's seafront theatre next week.

For Young FADOS are getting ready for the area premiere of HONK! a cracking new comedy modern musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen fairytale The Ugly Duckling.

The group is returning to the Spa Pavilion for the first time in several years – thanks to the National Lottery.

The price of hiring the 913-seater venue has prevented the youngsters from staging shows there, but now they have received a £3,300 grant from the Awards for All programme to help with the costs.

Many of the area's experienced performers have taken their first steps on the boards with FADOS Youth and hundreds of performers from eight to 18 have had the opportunity to perform in plays, musicals and revues over the years.

Set in a farmyard, HONK! written by George Stiles and Anthony Drewe, gained the accolade of Best New Musical in the Olivier Awards 2000.

Around 40 young actors and actresses, accompanied by a nine-piece band, will be taking part in the show, from Thursday July 11 to Saturday July 13, nightly at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

The youngsters have spent the past few months in twice-weekly rehearsals, and also launched a fresh new image for their group to try to attract more young people to get involved.

The group has shortened its name to YOUF and the cast all have new sweatshirts with the slogan Acting up for Felixstowe.

When it had its national premiere, critics described the show as "delightful" and said it "hit all the right notes".

It is a fresh family show, bubbling over with fun, with all the elements of panto – comedy, great songs, lovable characters, baddies and innuendo.

The script is a mix of comedy, naivety and sophistication, chock full of clever puns whilst exploring the sensitive issues of identity and loss.

The score is humorous and foot tapping, with a tear-jerker or two, and the cast believe each member of the audience will come away from the theatre with a take away – a favourite song that that will stay with them on their journey home.

FADOS is the longest-established group in the town, and celebrated its 50th anniversary in 1997.

n Tickets are £7, with family tickets £20 and concessions available, and can be purchased from the Spa box office on 01394 282126.