You’d better get your skates on if you want to be part of the Co-op Juniors Theatre Company’s youth production of hit musical Starlight Express this summer.

The group is holding open auditions for the first time. They are looking for men aged 16-21 to play American steam engine Rusty, who is longing to become the fastest in the world; sassy electric locomotive Electra and retired American champion steam loco Poppa.

Director Rebecca Darcy said: “We have a fantastically talented group of young performers and many of the key roles are already cast from within our existing company.

“What we don’t have is older boys to play three key roles, all of which need mature performers who are strong vocally and have good stage experience. It’s a bonus if they can roller-skate, but we’ll train them.”

She is also looking for male or female breakdancers or roller-skating stunt performers to tackle some of the more specialist moves.

“They won’t have to sing but will be an important part of the action and add another dimension to the races and the show. They have to be 21 or under, athletic and fearless.”

All the cast appear on skates and many have to take part in races close to the audience. They are working with two coaches, one of whom appeared in the West End production of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s rock musical about a child’s train set that magically comes to life in the late 1980s.

To take part, visit www.coopjuniors.co.uk to see links to videos of the three characters before sending a video of yourself performing a song from the show to studio@coopjuniors.co.uk by 6pm, February 22. Rehearsals start this month and performances are June 15-19 at the Hush House, Bentwaters Parks, Rendlesham, near Woodbridge.