YOUNG people from the region are getting set to star in the world premiere of a new musical.

More than 20 teenagers from Dudley borough will be appearing in Chasing Fate at Birmingham Hippodrome on October 17 and 18.

The show, which is based on real experiences of the young performers, will also feature performances by professional actors including Olivier award-winning David Bedella, from TV's Holby City.

Chasing Fate is being staged by Dudley Council and Stourbridge-based Leaps & Bounds, who were behind the enormously successful Ballet Hoo! in 2006, and in July this year produced Wrosne: An Underground Experience in the Dudley canal tunnels.

The Chasing Fate story follows a teenager called Sam who must choose between friends, family and the temptations of his local gang.

The exhilarating performance is set against a vibrant score which fuses rock, pop, hip hop and rap.

Leaps & Bounds works exclusively with vulnerable young people, and all the teenage performers have gone through a programme of personal development to overcome their own problems.

Together with Leaps & Bounds staff and volunteers they have worked on the show for the past year and for many of them it has been their first experience of theatre.

Michelle Bould, artistic director, said: “Chasing Fate is not only a fantastically entertaining show but is also part of the Leaps & Bounds project which makes a real difference to young people’s lives.

“In this show, as with Ballet Hoo! we are working with vulnerable teenagers who might otherwise have struggled to stay on track and who now recognise the opportunities they have been given through this remarkable project.

“The professional team behind this show has ensured that as well as being a wonderful project for this group of young people it also promises to be a fantastic night out at the theatre.”

To find out more and to book tickets contact either www.leapsandbounds.org.uk or www.birminghamhippodrome.com or call 0844 3385000.