CLASSIC tale Little Women will be performed at the atmospheric and charming Shelley Theatre in Boscombe during the school half term week.

Students from BIGLITTLE Theatre School's Professional Development Programme will take to the stage at the restored venue to present the much-loved tale from across the Atlantic.

A total of 16 students between the ages of 16 and 19 are performing, all of whom are currently involved in intensive training in acting, singing and dance at the renowned theatre school.

Many are aiming for full-time theatre careers and are currently involved in the audition process for many of London's top acting and musical theatre schools.

This year they are working with professional director Susan Raasay as well as musical director and producer Colin Billing.

One student, Kirsty Jocham, 18, said: "It has been wonderful to work with Susan Raasay for this project, it’s a privilege to work with such an experienced director.

"I never realised how relevant Little Women would be to a modern-day audience. The music is fantastic and the storyline is vibrant, exciting and empowering, particularly to young girls."

Little Women plays at the Shelley Theatre from Wednesday February 20 to Friday February 22 at 7.30pm each evening with a matinee on Thursday at 2.30pm.

Tickets are available from the theatre’s website. For more information about BIGLITTLE Theatre School’s training for the profession go to biglittle.biz