JOHN Cooper, well-versed director of Stagecoach Youth Theatre York, has a surprising confession to make. "Two years ago, I'd only just heard of Snoopy. Of course I was aware that the pooch had a certain following in literary circles; I think I was just too square for those circles," he says.

"Then I heard the soundtrack for Snoopy, The Musical and was hooked. So I tried to persuade the Stagecoach members that this cartoon canine of yesteryear still had a lot to say.

"As Snoopy observed when he fell off his kennel, that was a rude awakening for me. It turned out that every eight to 13 year old in the company knew the characters and the cartoon strip backwards."

Snoopy, The Musical forms the latest Stagecoach production at Joseph Rowntree Theatre in York, where Snoopy, Charlie Brown, Lucy, Linus and company take to the stage next week.

"It's no coincidence that the show opens on St Valentine's Day, February 14, with a company of 14 carrying heart-shaped balloons extolling their love for the most famous beagle in the world, because their joie de vivre has permeated the rehearsals," says John.

He has a theory to explain why the Peanuts characters have become immortal. "The secret to their success lies in the love of their creator, Charles Schulz, for the children in his comic strip. That love makes them real people," he says.

In preparation for next week's show, American-born choreographer Eric Carpenter has been welcomed back to Stagecoach with open arms. "I think he has come up with some of the most dynamic and exciting dance routines the company has ever produced," says John.

Edward Torsney, from the Old Dairy Studios, has teamed up with John Cooper to create "delightfully zany" video sequences.

John has faith in his young cast to deliver the goods next week.

"Although Snoopy, The Musical originally was written for an adult cast, I believe that with my company, who needs adults?," he says. "By way of endorsement from the creator, Schulz once observed 'Why aren't there any grown-ups in Peanuts? Well, there just isn't room for them; they'd have to bend over to fit in the panels'."

Snoopy, The Musical runs from February 14 to 16 with performances at 7.30pm plus a 2.30pm Saturday matinee. Tickets: £6, concessions £4; ring York Theatre Royal box office, tel 01904 623568.

Updated: 10:21 Friday, February 08, 2002