THE genie is out of the bottle as talented young thespians begin rehearsals for their upcoming production of Aladdin.

Audiences should be prepared to be whisked away on a magic carpet to another world as children from the Riverside Stage Company get to work on their magical production of Disney's Aladdin junior show.

Thomas Williams, who is directing the performance, says everyone from the theatre school, based in Greenock's Duff Street, is excited about the prospect.

He said: "Aladdin Junior will have lots of colour, singing and dancing.

"A lot of the kids have never done theatre before while some of the kids performed in our first show Annie Junior The Musical.

"We are still receiving feedback from that show, with people saying how amazing it was.

"We make sure every kid has a role."

The theatre school has only been up and running since March this year but is already making a big impact on young people's lives.

Member Lilly Gillen, 13, said: "It's fun because I've made a lot of new friends.

"I would love to do Broadway or a west end show like Wicked."

The oldest and youngest members of the theatre school, Eve O'Brien, 13, and Paige Magee, two, also love the stage school.

Eve said: "I feel so happy when I'm on stage - it's overwhelming."

Her mum Clair O'Brien said: "It's like one big happy family - it's great to see the community get together."

Paige's auntie Ann McLachlan and her grandma Jannette Struthers say she has come out of her shell since geting involved in theatre.

Ann said: "She's so much more confident."

Janette added: "The staff are fantastic and really work hard with the kids."

* The performance of Aladdin Junior will be on March 21 next year. To keep up to date, check out the Riverside Stage Company's Facebook page.