ALL your childhood favourites are set to descend on the Empire theatre for a blockbuster performance.

Popular Halstead group, Frederick Douglas Performing Arts Academy, will perform Into The Woods JR, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale, brought to life in this adaption of their groundbreaking, Tony awardwinning musical.

Featuring Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), this performance represents a lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.

Students from the academy will offer Halstead an amusingly different way to think about everyone’s favourite fairy tale characters through their production.

The musical centres on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk.

Debbie Marks, of the academy, said: “From the first rehearsal, the students have collaborated on gaining a new perspective on these fairy tales and the ethical issues these stories present.”

The musical follows the baker and his wife who learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door.

The couple embark on a quest – swindling, deceiving and stealing from such already-victimised characters as Cinderella, Little Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack – to get the special objects required to break the spell.

However, the story doesn’t simply end “happily ever after” as each character must now face the consequences of his or her decision.

The performing arts group consists of five to 16-year-olds.

The performing arts academy will take to the stage on July 15, with both a matinee and evening performance.

Doors will open at 2.30pm for a 3pm start, and then 6.30pm doors for a 7pm start. Tickets will cost £10 for adults, or £8 for children under 12 and OAPs.

To book, call the box office on 07778 025490