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.

Ellie says:

"I FIRST heard of BATS Next Gen when I went to see their show Cats two years ago.

I really enjoyed it and afterwards my mum said "Ellie you should do that, you'd be really good." But I said no because I was worried that I wouldn't fit in.

After spending a long of time thinking about it, I did go eventually to one of their workshops.

When I first walked into the audition room in April 2014, I felt nervous and thought that I might be picked on and laughed at because I was only 10, I was small and I didn't know exactly what I was doing.

But it was a good thing I did decide to go as it turned out to be a lot of fun. Everyone was welcoming, really friendly and in the exact same position as me.

I have had an amazing experience with BATS Next Gen so far (even though I have only done two shows!).

The first was Fawkes The Quiet Guy which I got a big part in and was thrilled about and the other is our next performance which we are currently rehearsing for.

Everyone gets a chance at BATS Next Gen. You learn a lot about singing, acting and dance and that helps you get better and better at something you love to do. You are accepted for who you are too.

I have really enjoyed my time with BATS Next Gen and look forward to many more years. I hope you will come and see us in October's show and I know you will enjoy Bats Next Gen as much as me if you decide to join!"