AN AWARD-winning youth theatre will have its audience rolling in the aisles with their half-term performance.

ENCORE Youth Theatre is staging How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying, a Tony and Pulitzer prize winner written by the same authors of Guys & Dolls.

Packed with show-stopping songs and dance numbers, such as The Company Way, Brotherhood of Man and Been a Long Day, this show took Broadway by storm in 2011 when Daniel Radcliffe playing the lead role.

The story tells of J. Pierrepont Finch - an ambitious young window cleaner who lives his life according to a "how-to" book to learn how to transform himself into a high-flying business tycoon.

Local schoolboy, 11-year-old Matthew Williams, joined the youth theatre after he gave up the opportunity to see Andy Murray’s Wimbledon victory last summer to audition.

“My character is a mean, suspicious security guard called Sylvester,” Matthew said. “He won't let anything happen to J.B Biggley (the boss).

“My experience this year has been amazing. It has been one of the best things I have ever done in my life. I have enjoyed every second of it and I am definitely auditioning next year. I have learnt so much and everyone is so friendly.”

How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying will be shown at the Theatre Royal in Winchester from February 19 – 22 at 7.30pm (Saturday matinee at 2.30pm). To find out more please contact the box office on 01962 840440 or visit facebook.com/encoreyouththeatre or check out the website encoreyouththeatre.co.uk.