THE young cast of BATS Next Gen are preparing for their next show. Performances run from October 29 to October 31 in Queen Mary’s Hall at QMC.

Licence restrictions means that the show cannot be mentioned by name in the press, but full details of this very colourful musical biblical epic can be found online at batsnextgen.co.uk, where there is also a link to buy tickets.

Ahead of the show, we hear from its stars Eleanor Winterbottom from Lychpit and Eloise Wood from Oakley.

This will be a final BATS Next Gen production for both girls, who are now in their last year at sixth form college.

ELEANOR: “BATS Next Gen has been a huge part of my life for the past four years. It is more than just a club, it is like a family.

When I joined I was worried that no one would really talk to me or take me seriously. Instead I was welcomed into a group of lively, friendly people who love theatre – they don’t take it too seriously but know how to put on a fantastic and professional performance.

I have been involved with four of BATS Next Gen’s performances including Rent in 2013, Cats in 2014 and Fawkes the Quiet Guy in 2014 where I was incredibly excited to play the lead character Catherine Wheel.

The society has taught me so much about the world of performing and has helped me improve my own skills and confidence. No one is left behind in the shadow of another person; everyone is given their chance to shine and show what they can do.

The rehearsals for our upcoming show are going great so far, and we are all having a lot of fun, despite the rather exhausting dances!”

ELOISE: “WHEN I first started BATS Next Gen (BNG) I never expected that I would be here five years later. As well as finding a group of extraordinarily talented people, I found somewhere to grow, learn and be myself. I know it’s a cliché, but they really have become like family to me.

My first show, Vampires from Space, was an experience that will stay with me forever; not just because it was the first proper audition I ever went to - I will admit 12-year-old me was extremely scared at having to sing in front of those unknown faces. But those faces have become close friends and helped me through five brilliant shows.

I went on to perform in Rent, Our House, Fawkes the Quiet Guy and am now rehearsing for our current show. My confidence has grown so much through working with BNG and that confidence has filtered into not only my acting, but my education and work as well.

I know lots of previous Next Genners come back to see us over the course of our rehearsals and it’s really inspiring to see what they are working on now and how much BNG helped them.

As well as being a friendly environment in which to progress as a young actor, BNG has provided me with the standards it takes to work in the acting industry, as we are held to very high standards.

I can't thank the members of BNG enough for giving me memories and skills that will stay with me forever and I hope someday to come back to the new generation of actors at BATS Next Gen and inspire them, the way it has inspired me.”

Find out more online at batsnextgen.co.uk.