YOUNG Wirral actors George Roberts and Lucas Murphy have made their professional stage debuts in a touring production of theatre smash-hit Evita!

They appeared in Bill Kenwright's staging of the Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice classic when it was at The Regent Theatre in Stoke-on- Trent earlier this month.

They also feature in the cast when it heads to The Lowry Theatre in Salford from March 14-18.

George, 11, from Little Neston and 10-year-old Lucas, from Irby, attend Stagecoach Performing Arts School in Wirral.

It was there that they were both chosen by the Principal, Lindsay Partington, to take part in the show.

Lindsay said: "Both boys were ecstatic to be chosen.

"They worked really hard in rehearsals before the show and they both performed brilliantly in the show itself.

"I'm very proud of them!"

The musical tells the story of Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine director Juan Peron, and her journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary wealth.

The score includes favourites such as Don't Cry for Me Argentina, On This Night of a Thousand Stars and Another Suitcase in Another Hall.

The West End production starred Madalena Alberto in the title role alongside Wet Wet Wet singer Marti Pellow as Che although the cast for this production has recently changed.

For more information on EVITA or to book tickets, visit www.kenwright.com/ microsite/evita

Stagecoach Performing Arts School runs on a Saturday morning and has classes for four-16 year olds in singing, drama and dance.

For more information visit www.stagecoach.co.uk/wirral