A leading youth theatre organisation in Carlisle has held its annual awards ceremony to highlight the level of young talent in the city and beyond.

With preparations well underway for their performance of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang’ at the Sands Centre next week, members of StagedRight youth theatre company gathered to celebrate the achievements of its members for an awards ceremony.

Award categories included ‘StagedRighter of the year’ alongside awards for dancing, singing, acting and hardest worker.

News and Star: Toby Johnston won the StagedRight Hardest Worker Award:Toby Johnston won the StagedRight Hardest Worker Award: (Image: StagedRight)The presentation of awards included awards by StageRight’s drama teacher, assistant musical director, musical director, choreographer and StagedRight’s founder, David McNiell.

The final award of the night was for StagedRighter of the year award which was donated and presented by Nicola Green of The Lanes Shopping Centre.

The award is voted for by every StagedRight student and the winner was Beth Smith who leaves the company this year to attend the London School of Musical Theatre from Setember.

StagedRight founder, David McNeill, said: “The awards celebration was a wonderful time to celebrate an amazing year and the fantastic talent we have within StagedRight Junior and Youth Theatre

“We presented engraved StagedRight clocks to the students aged 18 and over who are leaving us after Chitty for drama schools and career opportunities which was very emotional as most students have been with us for ten years or more.

“Students and parents partied alike, played bingo and games and students presented an impromptu cabaret which was great fun and a wonderful way to lead us into a very busy week.”

This year has seen a huge host of success for StagedRight after their ‘Phantom of the Opera’ production was awarded best youth musical and best staging of a youth musical at the North West’s National Operatic and Dramatic Association Awards.

Final preparations are now underway for StagedRight’s upcoming production of ‘Chitty Chitty Bang Bang with the last remaining tickets on scale now.

The production team have been working incredibly hard to bring the show to life including a recreation of the iconic vehicle.

News and Star: Chitty Chitty Bang BangChitty Chitty Bang Bang (Image: Stagedright)David said: “Chitty is selling well. We have enjoyed two rehearsals with our amazing orchestra.

“It will be a very special show and is attracting family audiences as well as our dedicated supporters.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is on at the Sand’s Centre on Friday, July 14 and Saturday, July 15. Ticket can be bought through the Sands Centre box office on 01228 633766 or online.