​ONE of the most popular plays of the 19th century is to be performed by the Theatre Royal, Margate’s, senior youth theatre from Thursday, February 25.

Lady Audley’s (cor) Secret, a tale of lies, ambition, blackmail and revenge, will be the second major production staged by the group since it was formed two years ago.

The Theatre Royal’s artistic director described the play as “a Victorian melodrama with laughs along the way” and said he was surprised that the young performers, aged between 11 and 17, had chosen to stage the play in its original form by William E Suter, rather than place it within a modern plotline of a theatre group looking at the play.

“I suggested Lady Audley’s Secret because it is suitable for all 20 members to be part of and fitted into our Smoke And Mirrors Victorian theme. It’s a fun drama that was highly popular in the 19th century. I wouldn’t have dreamed of imposing it on the group and I was concerned that they would think the language rather archaic. On the contrary, the group were all enthusiastic about performing it without changes.”

The costume drama, for which period outfits have been hired in, stars Abigail Greenfield in the title role, Darren Hill as Robert Audley, Jadine (cor) Griffin as Martin (cor) and Amy Davies and Joshua Bowen as Bibbles and Bubbles, who get all the laughs. Cathryn (cor) Beckett (cor) directs and Ben Dickens is the designer.

The theatre’s two-year Smoke And Mirrors  project began last year. Combining the Victorians’ love of mystery and illusion with the history of building and its ghostly associations, the project has involved a number of activities designed to take another look at traditional ideas of the theatre and performance.

The next event will be a free family fun day on Sunday, April 11 between 2pm and 5pm. Families with children aged from five years old can explore the theatre and learn how performances are staged.

Lady Audley’s Secret runs until Saturday, February 27. Tickets for the 7.30pm

performances cost from £7 from 08451 301786.