YOUNG performers from 15 schools across the York district and beyond are giving up their summer holidays to perform in York Theatre Royal’s summer show The Wind In The Willows.

The 24 children, all aged ten to 15, are members of the Theatre Royal Youth Theatre or on the waiting list. They will be performing alongside professional actors such as pantomime stars Martin Barrass and Jonathan Race, Michael Lambourne, Robin Simpson and Jacky Naylor in Damian Cruden's repertory production until August 30.

The young cast members play otters, weasels, rabbits and hedgehogs, staying in character when they also are required to interact with the audience as part of the pre-show experience that gives ticket holders access to the stage and backstage areas.

They are split into three teams to allow them some days off but each of them will have performed in 12 shows by the end of the run, parading their dancing, singing and acting talents.

"This is a fantastic example of the strong link our youth theatre has with the professional work made here," says Natalie Quartermass, the Theatre Royal’s youth theatre director.

"It gives young people a great opportunity to challenge themselves in a fun, creative and professional environment. Their inclusion in the casting demonstrates the Theatre Royal’s commitment to young people and our family audiences."

The children are drawn from Sand Hutton Primary School; Millthorpe School; Huntington Secondary School; All Saints RC School; Archbishop of York Junior School; Manor Church of England Academy; Fulford Secondary School; Park Grove Primary School; Osbaldwick Primary School; Joseph Rowntree School; Copmanthorpe Primary School; Tadcaster Grammar School; St Aidan’s C of E High School, Harrogate; Brayton C of E Primary School, Selby, and Alne Primary School.

Taking part are Elly Beacon, Lily Madill Parker, Charlie Pascall, Abi Robinson, Amber Taylor and Emma Vincent as Hedgehogs; Madeline Clifton, Imogen Drury and Elise Tsang as Otters; Hannah Brown, Anais Crane, Jasmin Marshall, Izzi Nutbrown, Fiona Popplewell and Safa Sasozai as Rabbits; and Ewan Croft, Maddie Drury, Matthew Heppell, Harry Johnson, Ailish Keogh, Max Mulrenan, Matthew Naish, Robert Sinkinson and Clara Williams Brinquez as Weasels.

Adapted by York playwright Mike Kenny from Kenneth Grahame's novel, Cruden's staging with a design by Catherine Chapman and Lydia Denno re-configures the stalls seating in a raked format that brings the audience closer to the stage. Backstage, and below it too, the designers have created homes for Mole, Mrs Badger and Ratty that can be visited by the audience before each performance – truly a badger's set in the case of Mrs Badger.

Tickets are on sale online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk and on 01904 623568.