Members of the senior drama academy at the Gordon Craig Theatre in Stevenage have been working hard to put on top-notch performances this weekend in two very different productions – surreal comedy Billy and Bible-based musical Godspell.

Billy is being performed by the Saturday group of the academy, made up of performers aged 11 to 18. It’s a version of seminal coming of age novel Billy Liar, also a hit film and TV serires, in which undertaker’s assistant Billy Fisher escapes his dull life by dreaming up mythical experiences in which he becomes president, a famous dancer and football club captain.

Amy Luders, 21, is making her directorial debut in the Saturday show having previously been a member of the theatre group.

She said: “The kids are so talented and it’s been great to see how well they have got on – they’ve done the picture in my head justice.”

“I’m excited for Saturday because they’ve been ready for a month, they just need an audience to get some laughs so they can see how funny they are.”

The second academy group have been working equally hard to perfect their Sunday performance of Godspell, directed by David Slade.

Written by the composer of West End giant Wicked, Stephen Schwartz, the pop musical portrays the gospel according to St Matthew.

Artistic director Catherine Lomax said: “I’m so proud of our Wednesday class. For them to learn the show, they’ve done so well. We steered away from the religious side of it and it’s just a beautiful musical and a really good show.”

Tickets for both shows are £12 each and can be booked by calling the box office on 01438 363200 or visiting www.gordon-craig.co.uk.