Oliver! - Lionel Bart

16th - 18th April

Studio Theatre, mac

Lionel Bart's musical version of Dickens' classic featured an early performance from (Tom) Arthur Darvill who graduated from RADA and starred in the award-winning 'Terre Haute' which premiered in Edinburgh before transferring to The Trafalgar Studios, London. Arthur then went straight into 'Swimming with Sharks' at The Vaudeville, London with Christian Slater. The Artful Dodger was played by Craig Painting who became a stalwart of mac Productions, notably playing 'Pinocchio' in Christmas 2006. Birmingham schoolchildren may also be interested to know that Mr Paul Merrell, formerly Head of Drama at Five Ways, now at Bromsgrove School also featured in Fagin's gang.

Stags and Hens - Willy Russell

15th-18th July

Hexagon Theatre, mac

"Willy Russell's superb black comedy is set within the bleak environment of the ladies and gents loos at a Liverpool Club. The young cast of Stage2 all play their parts brilliantly. The language is quite strong throughout, but the scouse accents are marvellously and consistently maintained." Evening Mail. This production featured Naomi Gudge who went on to play Martha in ëAngels and Insectsí a film that also featured 10 other members of Stage2.

Woman in a Dressing Gown - Ted Willis

10th - 12th September

Hexagon Theatre, mac

"Members of Stage2, one of the regionís leading youth groups are tackling a brave venture in 'Woman in a Dressing Gown'. It is a piece which is rarely performed and it centres on a man, his wife and his mistress. In any other circles it might be considered an odd choice for a youth group, but Stage2's record includes the very adult 'Stags and Hens' and 'Piaf' - so, another brave show." Evening Mail