A CLUTCH of talented young north Norfolk actors is taking to the Norwich stage in a powerful and moving musical drama about child destitution in Victorian London.

A CLUTCH of talented young north Norfolk actors is taking to the Norwich stage in a powerful and moving musical drama about child destitution in Victorian London.

The Ragged Child, Norfolk Youth Music Theatre's latest production, stars Nick Hewetson, 13, from Aylsham High School, and 10-year-old Colby Primary School pupil Lydia Whiting in the lead roles of Joe and Annie Cooper.

Lydia's brother Luke, who attends Aylsham High School, is also in the cast, together with Phoebe Robinson, from North Walsham, Daisy Campbell, from Mundesley, and Daisy Winchester, from Thursford.

They are among more than 40 children taking part in the award-winning theatre group's show, which opened last nightat the Maddermarket Theatre.

The Ragged Child follows Joe and Annie, two of 40,000 destitute children in cholera-ridden London in the 1850s, and their links to the pioneering Lord Shaftesbury who set up the Ragged Schools and began Australian emigration.

It was written by Frank Whately and Jeremy James Taylor with music by David Nield, and was premiered in 1986.

The show continues with performances at 7.30pm nightly up to and including November 7, plus a 2.30pm matinee on Saturday. Tickets cost �10 (�8 concessions) and can be bought from the theatre box office on 01603 620917.