AS November’s chill descends across York, 28 talented young performers are preparing a world premiere of a brand new heart-warming winter musical about of friendship, magic and learning what it means to do the right thing.

The gifted youngsters from Upstage Centre Youth Theatre, all aged between eight and 18, have devised a musical adaptation of The Snow Queen by Hans Christian Andersen for next month's production. The full-scale musical has been developed by artistic director Joshua Goodman and colleague Matt Harper in collaboration with the North Yorkshire actors.

“It’s a huge privilege to receive a commission like this,” says Joshua, who has composed the music and lyrics for the show. “The originality of the work has allowed everyone in our cast and production team to be very creative, which makes the process very exciting. I hope that the production will be magical and fun as well as moving, as we are telling one of the most touching stories from Andersen’s oeuvre.”

Matt, who has written the book to accompany Goodman’s score adds: “Joshua and I have worked together on many projects over the years but this is our first venture into creating a never-before-seen musical from scratch. I think that the work being unique to Upstage really empowers our cast and crew to take ownership of the piece and now the whole building is buzzing with creative energy.”

The story follows Gerda, who sets off on a dangerous journey to rescue her best friend Kai from the clutches of the evil Snow Queen.

As Gerda travels further north in search of her friend, the story of the Snow Queen seems to become more and more real. Gerda’s action-packed journey is mysterious, frightening, and sometimes hilarious. Will she find Kai in time to save him? And what will it mean for the world if she can’t? !

Bringing together a dazzling original score and one of the world’s best-loved stories, the Upstage team of talented performers will warm away your winter blues and remind you that love is the only real way to keep away the cold.

"Complete with a live band, dancing, singing, magical furniture and lots and lots of snow, this is a show not to be missed," says Joshua.

Performances of The Snow Queen will run at Upstage Centre Youth Theatre, 41 Monkgate, York, from December 10 to 13 at 7.30pm nightly plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee.

Tickets are on sale online at upstagecentre.org.uk