By CATRIONA STEWART

THEY have taken on an impossible task.

A group of 40 young people are being given just seven weeks to learn and rehearse a brand new musical - before performing it at The Tron.

Not only are the youngsters learning to sing and dance but they are also taking on production roles to help pull the show together.

The ambitious scheme is a summer project run by youth theatre group Toonspeak and is led by former River City actress Libby McArthur.

Libby said: "This is an impossible task we've given them. I mean, really an impossible task.

"The idea these young people could put on a brand new musical with three part harmonies, dance routines and lines to learn?

"When I heard about it there was a big klaxon going off in my head - can we do it?

"But it's not just about the show going on, it's about bringing these young people joy and fun and teaching them they are all 100 per cent responsible for everyone around them.

"It's a team effort."

Libby, who also starred in Rab C Nesbitt and Taggart, first became involved with Toonspeak as a drama worker in residence in the late 1980s.

She has since run workshops with the theatre group, which this year marks its 30th anniversary, and is now director of the new musical theatre show, Ma Bit, which has been written by television writer David Cosgrove.

Following auditions, around 40 young people aged 12 to 22 were chosen to take part.

Most of these are perormers but 10 have been picked to learn about lighting, sound, costume and set design, stage management, musical direction, special effects and stage hair and make-up.

Demanding the youngsters attend from 10am til 5pm five days a week, the show is a big commitment.

But the youngsters say it is worth it.

Hannah Waters, from Summerston, is playing lead character Caron.

The 13-year-old said: "Libby has been a really big support in helping us learn our parts.

"She talks to you and tells you not to be nervous. She understands that you're really worried about it but tells you there's nothing to worry about.

"It's been really hard work but I'm so excited to be performing next week."

Reegan Graham, from Acre, is taking the lead male role opposite Hannah.

The John Paul Academy pupil said he's pleased to be given the opportunity to learn from Libby and to mix with people from different backgrounds.

The 15-year-old said: "We all come from different parts of the city and there are people you wouldn't normally mix with.

"But everyone has got on really well and it shows you that if you can all work together here then there's no reason we can't work together outside of the show."

Stanley Richardson, from Bearsden, added: "It's great fun and we've all become good friends."

Ma Bit is to be performed at the Tron on July 29 at 2pm and 7pm as part of the Merchant City Festival.

For more information and tickets see www.tron.co.uk/event/ma-bit