Young performers in Basildon are set to get a boost with the launch of the new Towngate Youth Theatre.

The move comes after the success of the Towngate Theatre's Bugsy Malone summer school.

The 11+ Youth Theatre will run each Wednesday evening during term time and will be organised by the St Martins Square theatre's in house education and outreach team, along with occasional guest leaders from within the theatre and television industry.

For those aged two-ten years old, HAPA (Helen Arber Performing Arts) will be teaming up with the theatre to run sessions from tots to juniors on Saturday mornings during term time.

Thomas Mason, education and outreach leader for the theatre said: "This Saturday we are holding an open day for anyone who is interested to attend which will have free taster sessions of our classes for young people to join in with.

"It is something I personally am very excited to see starting around Basildon as we have nothing similar around."

The open day on Saturday will run from10am to 4pm, with free taster sessions and a chance to meet the team.

For more information, email eando@basildon.gov.uk