FORTY talented youngsters from across South Devon are tapping into the magic of the musicals this weekend.

Torbay Acting Factory's gold group will take to the stage of Paignton's Palace Theatre as part of the show Musical Mania.

In a move to tailor-make the shows to the strengths of the children, the production is a deliberate break away from the previous 'big name' shows such as Aladdin and High School The Musical.

Organiser Polly Anna Davies said: "It's looking very good. Now it's on the stage it has all come together.

"We auditioned 170 children and then chose the best of the best for the show.

"It was done on individual talents, not just those who have all three (singing, dancing, acting).

"We've written a story that plays to the strengths of the individuals. There's a lot of talent as we go through musicals including Sister Act, Saturday Night Fever, Whistle Down The Wind, Wicked, Oliver and Annie. The production plays tonight and tomorrow at 7pm.

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