Pirates ahoy as youngsters enjoy Larkin' About

1.55.40pm BST (GMT +0100) Mon 27th Aug 2007

Peter Pan and a mystical figure from Mortlake are the inspiration for a young people's drama project in Barnes staged by the Council and Richmond Theatre.

Throughout August over 30 youngsters have taken part in the 'Larkin' About' theatre education programme, which culminates in a performance at Vine Road Recreation Ground in September. This year's project draws on the pirates and lost boys of Peter Pan and the life of former Mortlake resident, Dr John Dee, a 16th Century scientist and occultist. Young people aged eight to 18 have worked with a team of professional artists in a series of drama, music and set-building workshops.

Cllr John Coombs, Cabinet Member for Youth, Culture and Leisure on Richmond Council, said: "The superb Larkin' About project is now in its third year and this summer sees the first collaboration between the Council's Arts Service and Richmond Theatre. It's part of the Summer Uni programme of positive activities for young people and offers an excellent introduction to drama production. I'm particularly pleased that they are also learning about local history through the intriguing figure of Dr John Dee. The youngsters have been the real driving force behind the project, creating the sets and fashioning costumes, and will all perform in the project finale."