A CLASSIC tale will come to life as Youth on Stage presents its stage version of Alice in Wonderland.

The Lewis Carroll favourite has already been famously adapted by Disney and more recently Tim Burton, but now the youngsters will put their own spin on it on stage.

Taking their lead from the well-known Disney version, audiences will meet familiar characters as they join Alice in her journeys which grow ever curiouser and curiouser.

The Cheshire Cat, the March Hare, the Dormouse and Tweedle-Dum and Tweedle-Dee will all feature, as well as, of course, the fearsome Queen of Hearts and her mischievous court.

There’ll also be music from the Disney film, including the White Rabbit’s frantic I’m Late, the title song Alice in Wonderland and other Disney classics, among them Zip-a-dee-doo-dah. Youth on Stage has a strong reputation, cemented last year when it won a national award for the production of Billy Elliott the Musical, which went on to tour various venues including the Victoria Palace in the West End.

Alice in Wonderland features several of the award-winning cast including Charles Croysdill, who played Billy, and Luke Brown, who played best pal Michael.

Youth on Stage is led by three 18-year-olds, director Michael Rideout, choreographer Biancha Szynal and musical director Ashton Moore.

Alice in Wonderland, Palace Theatre, London Road, Westcliff, July 14-16, 7.30pm. Saturday matinee 2.30pm, £14, £12 concessions, 01702 351135.