A BUDDING director has been given unique access to a top Chester theatre company as he works towards his Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award.

Christleton High School student George Wheatcroft recently spent time with Against The Grain theatre company, sitting in on rehearsals for their upcoming production of Harold Pinter's dark comedy The Birthday Party which is set to be staged at Chester Little Theatre.

George, 14, from Aldford was able to sit alongside the play's producers and gain a valuable insight in to how each scene is put together in the rehearsal room before the production transfers to the stage to be performed in front of a live audience.

Speaking about joining the cast and crew of The Birthday Party, he said: "I have found sitting in on rehearsals very interesting. I feel I've learned a lot about the directing and acting part of putting on a play. I have enjoyed writing my own notes and have seen how long it takes to practice one scene. Overall, it has been a brilliant experience and I'm looking forward to seeing the final production on stage."

George has also recently begun helping out with football coaching at a local Primary School as part of his ongoing work towards gaining his bronze award.

Against The Grain said of the aspiring teen: "It has been a pleasure to have George with us at rehearsals, we are honoured to be able to encourage the next generation of directors."

Written by acclaimed playwright Harold Pinter in 1957, The Birthday Party is set in a small rundown Seaside B&B which has one permanent guest, Stanley, who has been living there for some considerable time. Life is peachy for the landlady, Meg, her husband Petey and Stanley at the B&B until two menacing strangers turn up with an unhealthy interest in Stanley.

Performances will be held at Chester Little Theatre from Thursday, April 13 to Saturday, April 15. Full details can be found at www.chesterlittletheatre.co.uk.