Three children in west Dorset are set to benefit from a theatre company's new youth programme. 

The Stuff and Nonsense Theatre Company, based at the Lyric Theatre in Bridport, has launched its new Young Creatives programme.

Led by artistic director, Niki McCretton, the company aims to support children’s learning and development through creativity. Shows are even co-created with children as part of the process.

Following the adaptation of the Three Little Pigs, which saw the company work alongside nine children who co-wrote the story with Anna Murphy, the company will now support and mentor three children from Bridport as part of the initiative.

Producer, Ben Vleminckx said: “The company has always worked with schools and captured children’s ideas but never have we had children as part of the professional creative team.

“Bella, Leland and Molly-Anna joined us on several occasions at The Lyric here in Bridport during the creation and rehearsing of The Three Little Pigs, as well as spending a day at The National Theatre in London.

“Working with children in this way, enables them to have all their ideas heard, played with and often their imagination and innovation surpass anything we could think up as adults.”

Niki McCretton said: “Having worked with Leland, Bella and Molly-Anna for over two years now, we have built up a fantastic relationship with them and their families. As a company we are committed to supporting all three of them to further develop their creative talents as writers, performers, makers or whatever else they decide they would like to explore.

“Our door will always be open to them and they will be able to work alongside our professional creative team on new upcoming productions as well as help us set out the strategic future of the company.”

Mayor of Bridport, Anne Rickard, who attended the launch event for the Young Creatives at The Lyric Theatre, said: “This is a brilliant initiative for these three children and future children of Bridport. Having the chance to work alongside Stuff and Nonsense, one of the best in the business, is a wonderful opportunity.”

Stuff and Nonsense have a busy touring schedule ahead with shows touring to Oxford, Nottingham, Bristol and even China this summer and autumn. To find out more about the work that Stuff and Nonsense produces, visit www.aloadofstuffandnonsense.co.uk