Are you looking for a musical adventure this summer?

If so, you are invited to sign up quickly for the National Centre for Early Music’s musical/theatre course, suitable for nine to 14 year olds.

Only a few places left to take part in The Kenilworth Secret, a play with an Elizabethan theme.

The workshops will take place daily from 10am to 4pm from Monday, August 15, culminating in a performance for family and friends on August 19 at 7pm.

Written by NCEM education consultant Cathryn Dew, the play will be directed by Paul Birch with music by Sam Dunkley.

The setting is 1575 at Kenilworth Castle in Warwickshire, where Robert Dudley, the Earl of Leicester, is preparing for a visit from the Queen of England.

Wishing to surpass anything Queen Elizabeth has seen before, Lord Robert plans an extravaganza of music, theatre, feasting and dancing, but his ideas are proving rather grander than his budget.

Desperate for money, he orders his hapless servant to discover the Kenilworth secret, treasure that is said to have lain hidden in the castle for more than a hundred years.

At his wits’ end, the servant finds help from a band of young travelling players, but soon it becomes clear that they are not the only ones seeking the treasure and the very safety of the realm is at stake. Will the children reach the treasure in time and can they save England from its fate?

Delma Tomlin, director of the NCEM, considers the Musical Play In A Week project to be one of the annual highlights of the centre’s calendar.

“We started this summer activity in 2001 and it’s now well established in our programme. The young people who take part have an amazing time. They learn so much from our professional team and have great fun working towards a performance and making new friends.

“We’re also delighted that as the young people get older, they’re keen to come back and work with us on stage management and costume design. For instance, Hannah Bixby appeared in the plays until she was 14 and for the past three years she has worked with the production team and learnt new skills. Now she has a university place at the Liverpool Institute of Performing Arts this autumn.”

• The Musical Play in a Week is open to all young people interested in music and theatre. No previous experience of singing or acting is required and no auditions will be held. The cost is £85 plus VAT. More information and downloadable application forms are available at ncem.co.uk/musicalplay2011 or alternatively phone 01904 632220.