TALENTED singers and dancers showcase their skills at the Daneside Theatre in Congleton next month.

A cast of 35 will be performing songs and routines from classic musicals at a variety show being staged by Centre Stage Youth Theatre Company.

The Congleton-based company puts on two shows each year, its main production in the spring and a variety show in the autumn.

This year's spring show, Jesus Christ Superstar, cost £12,000 to stage, and next month's show, Variety 2003, will help raise funds for the spring 2004 production.

Next month's show features numbers from world-famous musicals including The Beautiful Game, Andrew Lloyd Webber's latest, Moulin Rouge, Les Miserables, Phantom of the Opera and The King And I.

The show is produced by company chairman George Tweats, with choreography by Jean Clarke from the Jean Clarke School of Dancing.

Musical director is Ian Mackintosh, and the compere for the evenings is Brian Jefferson.

"The show helps to raise money for our main production, and we will be making a donation to the borough mayor's charity," said committee member Katrina Watson.

"It also helps to raise the profile of the group in the town, as well as giving many children a chance to perform who did not feature in the cast for our main show.

"It appeals to all ages, and there will be singing, dancing and sketches."

Variety 2003 is staged on September 26 and 27, for tickets contact Congleton Information Centre on 270195 or Katrina on 279110.