Stagecoach Youth Theatre director John Cooper dreams of bringing a

Fame-style youth theatre company to York. Thisisyork finds out what the plans mean to potential stars of the future

It's noisy, hot, and 20 kids are marching up and down, waving their hands and singing their hearts out in a church's old Sunday school room.

This is the new home of the nine-year-old Stagecoach theatre company, and the enthusiastic kids are rehearsing for their latest street production The Magical Mystery Tour, which hits a Parliament Street stage at Easter.

The theatre company bought the Trinity Methodist Church hall buildings in Monkgate last year and ever since they have been working hard to raise the money to transform the old-fashioned run-down rooms into rehearsal space and a theatre.

So far John Cooper and "my children", as he refers to them, have managed to raise £100,000 - but there's still a long way to go.

The children, of whom there are about 160, are the active members of the money-raising drive, because as John says: "This company could not survive without these kids' dedication and commitment and their belief in what they are doing."

Nicholas Holbeck, 14, said what all his peers agreed with; the theatre is just getting "better and better".

He said: "This building and the equipment that we will have is just helping us all to become better trained. Everybody's talents come out when you come here. It's great."

Not surprisingly, everyone nodded when asked if they wanted to be on the stage or television when they grow up.

Charlie Kitchman, 10, and her nine-year-old brother, William, joined the company last year and Charlie's heart is set on the stage. She said: "I want to be an actress when I grow up."

Her brother said the theatre company is a great place to make new friends and have fun. Lizzy Hope, 12, said the classes and preparing for performances gave them all confidence. "It makes us confident and gives us self-esteem. When lots of people are watching us perform and they say that we were good, that makes us feel great."

A tour round the building shows there is a lot of work to be done. A new ceiling is needed, as is office space. Dry rot needs treating, walls need moving and most importantly to the company, changes need to be made to allow full disabled access.

This week works starts on the dance studio, where one wall will be lined with mirrors and floor boards sanded and polished.

Things are moving well so far and John and the children keep pushing for more help to build them a proper home to leave for generations of star-struck children to come.

John added: "It's a big vision, but these kids motivate me."

About twenty of the company's children will be performing in Parliament Street between 10.30am and 6pm on Easter Saturday and Monday. They made £1,500 in their Christmas street performances and hope to match that again.

For information about other performances and shows this year, contact the group on 01904 659554.

Updated: 11:16 Tuesday, January 23, 2001