MEMBERS of The Octagon's youth theatre, Activ8, intend to show a little animal magic when they take centre stage.

This season, for the first time, Activ8's productions will be showcased with the same prominence as their professional counterparts.

And the group is taking full advantage with a packed and varied programme of plays. First up is a new stage version of George Orwell's classic tale Animal Farm, which will be performed under the helm of The Octagon's new youth theatre director, Chris Sudworth.

Animal Farm will be performed by Activ8's company of 15 to 18-year-olds from February 12 to 15 in the Octagon's Bill Naughton theatre.

Preparations for the ambitious programme began in October 2002 when Chris and the youth theatre members began working with the novel to form the basis of a script. Rehearsals started in January with the company working together up to three times a week. All parts in the production are being played by the teenagers.

Chris Sudworth said: "My responsibility as youth theatre director is to challenge the young people, pushing the boundaries of their understanding of theatre and its possibilities. While the Youth Theatre has performed many times on The Octagon stage, this particular group has never worked on an adaptation before, so we were delighted to be given the opportunity to adapt one of the all-time classics.

"The members were involved in adapting the play from the word go and I think they've really enjoyed themselves -- I certainly have!"

Performances of Animal Farm run from 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2pm. Tickets, £6 or £4 concessions, are available from 520661.

Other youth theatre productions planned include Whale by David Holman, from May 21 to 24 and Bradshawgate, a weekly interactive onstage soap (March 12, 19 and 26, and April 2).