Wigan's Willpower Youth Theatre is in rehearsals for its latest musical spectacular

Willpower Youth Theatre has been a focal point of the community for children for decades, nurturing future stars, awakening latent talent, teaching new skills and bringing youngsters together. It hosts weekly classes plus summer schools, but one of the high points is its annual musical.

In these straitened times, it is particularly appropriate that theatre directors Caroline Joynt and Tim Hans-Smith have chosen the Hans Christian Andersen tale of The Little Match Girl, the moral of which is to behave charitably toward those who are less fortunate.

The production will be staged at St Michael’s Church Hall, Swinley, from March 8 to 11 starting at 7.30pm. Tickets, priced £7 and £6 (concessions), are available by ringing 01942 745082, emailing [email protected] or on the door.

​