A THEATRE group is hoping for a repeat performance after receiving rave reviews for its show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Students from Stage 84 performed the musical Oliver at the world famous event during a week-long trip and are now hoping to return to the Scottish capital on an annual basis.

The cast of more than 40 youngsters, aged between eight and 18, from the performing arts school in Town Lane, Idle, dazzled the crowds at their five shows.

They were held at Greenside Nicolson Square, a converted Methodist church, for their outdoor performances.

The group took to the stage throughout the week for large crowds on Edinburgh's Prince's Street and on the Royal Mile.

The Edinburgh trip brought the curtain down on their Oliver shows.

The group also got to see other performers in action from around the world during the festival including comedy shows and plays.

They also went on an underground ghost walk and to a 360 degree cinema show.

During the week all students took part in a cooking competition called Food Glorious Food which saw them preparing their own dishes.

Craig Winward, managing director of Stage 84, says the Oliver shows puts the group and Bradford on the world stage after appearing at the annual arts showcase.

He said: "Hopefully this is something we can do again. We are looking to go up there on an annual basis.

"It went well and we had some lovely reviews from passers-by. We receiving glowing reviews.

"These are exciting times for us. We are doing plenty of new things.

"It was great that we had young people representing this city on the world stage.

"It puts us on the map as well.

"It was wonderful, it lived up to all of our expectations. It was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the students.

"It is a learning experience for them. It wasn't just about them performing. They also got to see other shows. They saw a mixture of comedy shows and plays.

"They performed to sell-out audiences at each and every show.

"They are now back to reality and they were saying that it was rubbish being back after such a great trip."

Stage 84 was given a civic send-off earlier this month as Lord Mayor of Bradford, Councillor Joanne Dodds, stopped by rehearsals before their visit to the Scottish capital.

A total of 15 students have been taking part in Stage 84's Rocking Retro-Remix Summer School.

The activity week, including acting, dancing and singing, finishes in a live show tonight.

The group has also started new acting classes at the school which will include improvisation, acting for camera and audition techniques.

Its members are also in final rehearsals for their production of Starlight Express, performed at Bingley Arts Centre, between October 15 and 17.

For more information on tickets, call the centre's box office on 01274 567983.