HUNDREDS of young actors from across the county will be taking to the stage in Oxford next month to raise money for charity.

They will be performing at the New Theatre, in George Street, on Sunday, June 22, in the Stagecoach Charity Spectacular - which combines music, dancing and acting.

The production will also celebrate the 20th birthday of the stage school, which has produced the likes of Harry Potter actress Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger in the films, and Shakur Williams who played young Simba in the West End musical The Lion King.

Maya Sprigg, principle of the stage school, which is based in Headington and Summertown, Oxford, said the production was a "major" event for them.

She said: "All of the students aged between six and 19 will be taking part in the production. And for many of the younger ones it will be their first time on a stage this size.

"It's a major event for us. And everyone is just looking forward to getting on the stage and taking part."

The production has been written by writer director Seamus Allen and is set in a world where an evil emperor has enslaved all the children.

Ms Sprigg said: "The more advanced students, who are over 16, will be taking the principal parts, but everyone will have a bit to do.

"It will combine singing, dancing and acting, so we hope lots of members of the public will come and join us on the night to ensure we have a full house.

"That would make it more special for those who haven't been on the stage before. To walk out on a stage that size in front of a full house would be fantastic."

The theatre school principal said they hoped to raise £5,000 through the event for the Oxford Children's Hospital, the Child Brain Injury Trust and Stagecoach's own charity InterAct.

She added: "The children have all been fantastic and have also started trying to raise money through sponsorship, so we definitely hope to reach our target."

Tickets for the night are on sale now from the New Theatre's box office on 0844 847 1585.