CUMBRIA'S foremost youth theatre group is taking a £34,000 risk to get audiences back.

StagedRight has pulled off a massive coup that gives them the rights to Phantom of the Opera, Andrew Lloyd-Webber's most sensational musical.

StagedRight's David McNeill said theatres are opening all over the country but audiences are slower to return, especially in the North West.

"We decided if we were going to get people back into the theatre we had to do something big - and nothing is bigger than Phantom," he said.

Fighting for the rights was a battle in itself - and will completely change the looks of the Sands Centre in Carlisle for the three nights of the show.

"Rights to the Phantom are only issued to schools and small groups. The Sands, because of its size, is considered a major venue," David went on.

"We have had to limit ourselves to 600 tickets per night - and there will be no seating in the stalls."

All this will just add to the excitement of the occasion.

The stage has been extended right into the stalls. There is an 18-piece orchestra, a cast of 80 and more than 400 costumes.

READ MORE: 'Live theatre in Carlisle is open' - Huge show in city next month

And the drama of the Phantom will not be lost.

The Phantom, played by Luke Thompson will look the part. 

StagedRight graduate, Carly Roberts, who has become a professional makeup and prosthetics artist, has taken holidays to create the hideous makeup and bald hair of the tragic figure.

Workington girl, Beth Smith, will play Christine, the object of the Phantom's obsession.

Phantom of the Opera takes to The Sands Centre stage on Friday 8 and Saturday, July 9 with matinee and evening performances.

Tickets are available from The Sands Centre box office, by telephone 01228 633766 or The Sands Centre website.

Remember Staged right's last joyful performance before lockdown? REVIEW: Grease by StagedRight in 2019