STEPHEN Outhwaite is to stand down as chairman of York company Flying Ducks Youth Theatre after 17 years.

He will leave his post at the March 29 to 31 production of Summer Holiday, for which he has designed all the sets and is at present putting the final touches to a full-sized London bus, complete with stairs, kitchen, beds and shower.

Stephen set up the company in 1995, since when it has grown into a well respected and much enjoyed youth theatre with almost 40 members.

“His passion for the group and attention to detail has made this youth theatre what it is today,” says Flying Ducks’ Sue Blanchard.

“We’re hoping this latest venture will send him out on a high.”

Performed by Steve Padfield’s cast of 13 to 17 year olds, Sixties’ musical comedy Summer Holiday follows four young mechanics as they take a London bus across Europe to escape the rain. After rescuing a trio of girl singers on their way to Athens, they find a stowaway “boy”, who turns out to be a teenage singing sensation on the run from her demanding mother and nagging agent.

Further adventures will be interspersed with much loved songs such as Bachelor Boy, Living Doll, The Young Ones, Do You Wanna Dance, On The Beach and of course Summer Holiday.

Performances start at 7.30pm plus a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are available at £8, concessions £7, from Michael Whyte on 01904 768963 or online at flyingducksyouththeatre.com