YOUNGSTERS from Malvern's Drama Platform are staging a double bill during a bumper weekend.

The company is taking over the Rogers Theatre at Malvern College to perform family favourite Charlie and The Chocolate Factory and The Hound of Music, a spoof on the popular Julie Andrews musical.

The group's junior members, aged nine-12, get the ball rolling at 7.30pm on Saturday, May 19 when an 18-strong cast brings Roald Dahl's classic tale of golden tickets, Oompa-Loompas and of course, gallons of chocolate, to life.

At 7.30pm on the Sunday, 15 senior members, aged 13-16, tread the boards for their offbeat tale about a mysterious hound killing sheep on the Malvern Hills in the year 2040.

Penned by local actor and writer Tarquin Shaw-Young, The Hound of Music does not shy away from the bizarre. It depicts a time when a powerful committee is in control of the hills and their famous water, and Worcestershire is about to go to war with Warwickshire.

With an X-Factor style talent competition, the Hills Factor', and a host of familiar-sounding characters such as Mother Inferior and Captain Von-Strapped, the play hurtles along at a frantic, laugh-a-minute pace.

The children have been working hard in rehearsals since March, and director and Drama Platform tutor Kelly Hull said everyone was looking forward to the performances.

Tickets are valid for both evenings and cost £4.50 (children £3.50) from Kelly on 01684 569201.

Drama Platform meets every Saturday morning at St Andrew's Church Hall, Pool-brook. For more information call Kelly Hull.