A LOCAL drama group is celebrating its 10th birthday in style by putting on a classic Dickens tale.

Thistle Theatre Academy is marking its milestone by bringing David Copperfield to the Beacon.

The senior group will stage the show at the arts centre on Friday and Saturday night.

Director Lynsey Currie says it has given the young actors a chance to hone their characterisation skills.

She said: "In Dickens the characters are so rich.

"The cast members are studying acting and performance at school, so this play is a good way to delve into a character.

"Many of them play multiple characters and this helps them to gain new skills and also engage with the audience.

"It's been a challenge but it's been a good experience for them."

The production is a 'stylised' piece for a more modern audience but uses the same language.

Lynsey said: "It is a visual piece.

"We will be using music to create an atmosphere."

It's an extra special show for two budding actors, Ben Nicol and Robbie Peden, who have been with the academy since it was formed a decade ago.

Ben, 17, who is off to study chemistry at Edinburgh University, says his time with Thistle has been a great experience.

The teenager, said: "I've performed in a lot of different shows, musicals and plays and played different characters, doing serious and comedic stuff."

Tickets for this week's shows cost £10.

To book a seat call the Beacon box office on 723723.