Drama Queens at war!

Young Starz and Drama Kids have been asked to play roles in the historical drama Queens at War.

The movie, which portrays the battle between Elizabeth and Mary Queen of Scots, is the brainchild of a French director.

Members of both groups hope their appearances on screen will propel them to careers in the performing arts.

But it won't be a happy shoot -- for members of the two groups can't stand each other.

The rivalry between the two fictional groups is portrayed next week in the latest stage production from Keighley youth theatre KYDZ.

Drama Queens focuses on the budding professionals from the elite Young Starz theatre school and the fun-loving youngsters from the Drama Kids acting club.

The groups first meet in a showcase production at a professional theatre, branding each other as either stuck-up snobs or talentless peasants.

Then Marcel Perriere arrives in the village of Millhaven to recruit a cast for his latest cinematic masterpiece.

Initially vying for lead roles, the squabbling young actors gradually realise nothing what it seems and they have a greater enemy than each other.

Drama Queens, described as a comedy-drama with songs, is performed on Friday and Saturday, July 13 and 14 at 7.15pm.

Performances are at Oakworth Methodist Church, where the 20-strong group of 10 to 18 year olds meet each Thursday.

KYDZ was set up about six years ago and usually stages two productions each year, most recently Willy Russell's musical Our Day Out.

In October KYDZ will perform scenes and songs from Drama Queens as part of a real-life showcase at St George's Hall in Bradford.

KYDZ is among several theatre groups from across Yorkshire performing in Spotlight on Youth, organised by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, on October 27.

KYDZ recruits new members through workshops once a year, and last March took in eight new members Tickets for Drama Queens cost £5 adults, £4 concessions, from 01535 219705 or on the door.