Duke’s twist of magic

Members of The Dukes Young Company will be playing Fagin’s Gang alongside a professional cast from July 3 - August 15.

And they recently received some tips from magician David Lancaster.

David, who lives in Lancaster, has been a professional magician for 15 years.

The young actors have been practising their new magic skills during rehearsals which many are fitting around their school work.

But as most are used to balancing their love of theatre with their studies, it’s nothing new and some have even performed in The Dukes outdoor shows before.

Among the ‘old hands’ is Rosanna Haigh, 18, who appeared in the 2013 production of Robin Hood and who is adding puppeteering to her skills this time round.

Many of the other members of Fagin’s Gang hope the challenge of performing six nights a week in the UK’s biggest outdoor walkabout theatre season will also stand them in good stead for working in the arts.

Although for 18-year-old Inka Spragg, taking part in Oliver Twist is a fitting finale to her five years spent with The Dukes Young Company before she pursues a career in banking.

Rehearsals are now well underway for the show both in Williamson Park and Moor Lane. Tickets to the first Saturday performance have sold out, for more ring the box office on 01524 598500 or visit www.dukes-lancaster.org.