The former Rowntree Youth Theatre performs for the first time tonight in York under its new name of Rowntree Musical Theatre.

The name change has come about after the City of York Council Leisure Services department stopped funding the long-running group, and Rowntree Youth Theatre members decided a new beginning was the best way forward.

Rowntree Musical Theatre will present Pickwick, the musical adaptation of Charles Dickens's tale of Pickwick Papers, from tonight until Saturday at 7.30pm nightly at the Joseph Rowntree Theatre, York.

The relaunched group is still under the directorship of Clive Hailstone, who has been at the helm for 42 years and has staged 84 shows, 70 of which have been musicals. The musical director is Michael Thompson.

Pickwick first ran in 1963 in London's West End when Sir Harry Secombe starred in the title role. Robert Readman takes on this demanding part for the Rowntree production, his preparations extending as far as having his head shaved in the Dickensian fashion.

In addition to his acting duties, Robert is also responsible for the show's set design and the choreography.

Tickets for Pickwick are available from the Theatre Royal Box Office, cast members or at the door, and are priced at £7.50 and £6 each.

Updated: 10:38 Monday, January 15, 2001