It's almost time for Largs Academy to bring you their 2017 production of the Chris D'Arienzo modern musical 'Rock of Ages: High School Edition', writes Emma Newton.

The production team and cast have been working hard to ensure it lives up to the standard our town has come to expect of its aspiring performers.

Picture this: it's 1986 on Sunset Strip in L.A. It's the place to be if fame is your goal and that's exactly what actress Sherrie and rocker Drew are looking for. We meet the hopefuls of the previous decades: self-professed sound-God Lonny Barnett, street-wise mother of lost souls Justice Charlier. The reality of the strip is that it's not quite so glamorous as Sherrie (a Kansas girl) believes. Will she find her way? Will it all work out?

The cast recently provided a taster of the show to the populace of Largs, performing a flashmob on Largs seafront (see pictures) during the recent Food Fest. The audience can look forward to hearing the voices of young people aged 14-17.

Musical Director Craig Smith said: "We have a very young cast this year, with two of the principal roles going to third years Sophie Cotton (who you may have seen singing at the Food Festival) and Rhionna Inwood - who has demonstrated triple threat talent. It is very exciting to have these young performers stepping up."

Sophie and Rhionna are joined by a solid group of 50 other young people on stage. But what is also exciting is the off-stage talent that the school has nurtured this year. Special mention must go to Rachel Ashmead, who has choreographed part of the show. Rachel - whose talents as a dancer are simply humbling - has contributed time, patience and expertise to the show, working with teacher Dawn McCarron. Rachel heads off to MGA Academy to study dance full-time after the holidays.

Advanced Higher Art pupils have also been pivotal this year, developing the scenes for the show. You'll need to come along and see for yourself the wonderful job they have done!

Tickets for Rock of Ages for Sunday June 18 to Wednesday 21st are still available. Check out ticketsource.co.uk/largsacademy