YOUNG actors from East Finchley took centre stage on Friday with a musical produced in just seven days.

The talented group of 17 actors, dancers and singers, aged 8 to 25, met for the first time last Monday, at Finchley Youth Theatre, in High Road, to brainstorm ideas for a show.

Within a week they had written an original storyline, created their own music and starred in the final production, How To Write Your Own Musical.

The project was the second undertaken in a four-week scheme run at the theatre, under Barnet’s Summer Uni programme, and now part of the London-wide Futureversity programme.

Kate Figgess, youth drama worker at Finchley Youth Theatre, said the scheme brings together young people, develops their skills and gives them something interesting to do over the summer months.

She said: "Because all the work has come from the young people, it makes the end result and the performance all the more powerful.

"It’s great because you quickly get to know the young people and what their strengths are."

Keen singer Keayarna Lake, 14, from New Southgate, said she had enjoyed taking part in the scheme.

"I have made new friends and it has given me some of my confidence back."

Finchley Youth Theatre is part of Barnet Youth and Connexions service that offers young people advice, holiday activities and term-time activities.