BUDDING actors will pull on pinstripe blazers and bowler hats for a retro production.

Students from schools across the county are preparing for their final performances of Hot Mikado – a more modern twist on Gilbert and Sullivan's comic opera The Mikado.

More than two dozen teenagers from Oxfordshire Youth Music Theatre (OYMT) are putting on the musical at Oxford Playhouse, and are set for their final two shows today.

Rosie Hunt, who plays one of the main roles, said: "The original Mikado is quite classical whereas this is much bigger and bolder and more colourful. It's got an amazing music soundtrack, it's really feel-good. People will be bopping all the way home.

"It's a very distinctive style of musical – it's not quite so strict."

The 20-year-old North Abingdon resident, who works at the Old Anchor pub in the town, explained that the play is set in Japan in the 1940s.

The show's director Paul Ansdell, who lives in North Oxford, said explores the same plot as the original but the music has been adapted to fit the genres of jazz, blues and scat.

OYMT is open to actors, singers and dancers across the county, generally aged between 14 and 19-years-old, and is run through Oxfordshire County Council.

Mr Ansdell said: "I'm a firm believer in youth theatre - it's an invaluable start to life. It doesn't matter what they then go on to do; it teaches values of confidence and teamwork. They can apply it to whatever they do in life.

"It's unbelievably rewarding, I love working with this age group. They are so creative and imaginative and brave, amid all their teenage insecurities and exams. Musical theatre pulls them together with one goal in mind: the show. It's like a family. They all look out for each other."

The 28 cast members have been rehearsing since September, including Miss Hunt who has taken part in three other products at OYMT previously.

She also plugged the power of theatre, which she hopes to continue pursuing when she starts at City of Oxford College in September.

The Peachcroft resident said: "It's a perfect balance of the social side and an incredible level of professionalism and commitment that is encouraged [by directors]. They helped us to produce a show that's really beyond what any of us expected to be able to produce."

OYMT alumni include actors who have gone on to star in West End shows such as Wicked and Les Miserables.

Performances of Hot Mikado started on Thursday and will run today at 2.30pm for the matinee, and at 7.30pm for the final show.

Tickets are available on the door or by visiting oxfordplayhouse.com, and cost between £11.50 and £21.