YOUNG actors have been left waiting in the wings after seeing their chance to shine on the national stage thwarted by coronavirus.

A talented group from Port Glasgow High were due to take play The Changing Room to the prestigious Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh this month.

But now that the theatre has down closed for health and safety reasons no performances will be able to go ahead.

The group had been highly praised for their performance at school to a small invited audience, including Kash Arshad, a director from The National Theatre.

Mr Arshad said: "The performers were engaged and their energy on stage was infectious.

"It was clear they have worked so hard, and really enjoyed being on stage.

"They are a company who have clearly bonded and have a very strong company feel, as well as a lovely culture of support and togetherness.

"When I spoke to them afterwards they were intelligent and articulate and clearly having a ball making this show."

The 16-strong cast, joined by three in the band and a four-strong technical support crew, ranges from first to sixth year students.

Some, but not all, are in the school's drama group and had been rehearsing since the end of October.

They were due to perform in Edinburgh tomorrow as part of National Theatre Connections - a nationwide celebration of new plays for young people.

The cancellation is especially disappointing for the local pupils as they were the first school in Inverclyde to take part in the drama festival.

But drama teacher Tina Harper says they can be proud of themselves for mastering such a challenging piece.

She said: "The play is about transitions, about being young and then adulthood and is set in the environment of a changing room.

"It's quite a physical piece and they coped really well.

"I am extremely proud of them."