PERFORMING arts students in Huddersfield are to premiere a new musical.

And it is very much a local production.

The show is aimed at raising drink-related issues.

Thirty students from the BTEC National Diploma in Performing Arts at Huddersfield Technical College are in the final stages of rehearsing the musical melodrama - The Ace of Clubs.

The play, which will be performed next week, revolves around Traci and her eventful night out at a new cocktail bar.

A spiked Snakebite cocktail leads to a nightmarish experience in A & E.

Mark Ellis, performing arts programme manager at the college and writer of the play, said: "I wanted to come up with a storyline that was suitable for the teenage cast but at the same time reflect the growing concern that celebrity culture is swamping serious involvement with issues affecting society."

The students, who are in their second year, have been rehearsing for the performance since September.

All those involved are extremely excited to be part of a brand new production.

Mr Ellis added: "Over the years we have performed most of the well known musicals suitable for a teenage cast. So this year we went for a new production.

"I aimed to write a show to involve the whole year group, with several contrasting characters, rather than just a few starring roles.

"Also, I hoped to give the dancers a chance to shine, and our technical team the opportunity to show off their latest electronic wizardry."

The performance is directed by Martin Aylott, senior drama tutor at the college.

He said: "This is an exciting opportunity for each student to develop a new role from scratch.

"There is a challenging mix of small-scale drama and crowd scenes."

This is one of two productions the students are expected to do as part of their coursework.

Jennifer Whittaker, a student who has one of the starring roles in the play, said: "We are all very excited for next weeks performances and I think it's going to be fantastic.

"Rehearsals are so far running like clockwork and we are really enjoying producing the show."

Fellow student Helen Beddoes, added: "This is an excellent musical to be a part of and we all think it will be a great success."

The Ace of Clubs can be seen in the college's Highfields Theatre next Wednesday, December 6 at 1.30pm and 7.30pm, Thursday December 7 at 7.30pm and Friday December 8, also at 7.30pm.

Tickets are selling out fast so those interested in the production should call the box office immediately on 01484 437047.