A HELICOPTER takes centre stage in a local production at the Beacon Arts Centre this week.

Miss Saigon is one of those shows that brings many challenges to an amateur theatre group — and finding such an unusual prop is one of them.

But Kayos Theatre Company more than rose to that and all the other demands of putting on such an iconic favourite.

The talented 35-strong cast enjoyed a fabulous opening night and thrilled the audience with their version of the tragic love story set against the backdrop of the Vietnam War.

The young actors aged between 15 and 21 have been busy rehearsing since September.

Director Mark Barclay said: “We had the helicopter custom-made by Peter Allwood, that is a feat in itself.

“The music is incredibly demanding and the singing is all the way through. I’m very proud of the actors’ achievements.” The four-night, run which ends on Saturday, is also especially poignant for Mark as this is his final show after being in the spotlight for 23 years.

He said: “It was the first big show I saw in London and I’ve been wanting to do it for a long time.

“It’s the last show I really wanted to do and only became available to amateur groups recently.” Miss Saigon, by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, is famed for such heartrending songs as Sun and Moon, I’d Give My Life For You and The Last Night of the World.

It celebrated its 25th anniversary last year and the comeback revival show in the West End wiped out all previous box office records.

It is also the 12th longest running musical on Broadway.

The dramatic highlight of the story shows the last Americans being airlifted from the embassy roof while a crowd of abandoned Vietnamese scream in despair while the new communist regime celebrate with a victory parade.

Mark said: “The audience can expect spectacular songs and an emotional show.

“It’s sad and uplifting at the same time.” To book tickets call 723723.

See today's Tele for full pictures.