THE organisers of the Combined Arts Week of Dorchester Youth Theatre have done it again, just as we knew they would.

After more than 20 years, they are still coming up with a new and often topical production every year with original songs, a sparkling script and a strong cast of young people who have clearly loved every minute of their week.

This year’s musical show is set in Ancient Rome where two brothers vie to rule the city, one by bribes and false promises and the other with honest principles, no prizes then for guessing who gets the peoples’ vote at the outset.

Under the direction of professionals Julian Barnicoat and Peter Thorogood, the young actors aged between 10 and 18 tackle with great skill the challenging script as they present an all-singing all dancing musical that is full of fun and daft jokes.

Enter twins Antius and Deccus, – get it? – played by Jack Purseglove and Christopher Hoare who with their advisors Magicus and Visionus – Emma Brunt and Izzy Raws – keep the plot racing along, helped by a pair of eccentric newsreaders played by Daniel Simons and Rafaella Price.

Roman Senators, a clutch of party babes, soldiers and market traders gradually realise the errors of their ways in choosing the wrong man but it takes four dustmen and a bunch of hamsters to oust the corrupt emperor and replace him with the right man – well it would wouldn’t it?

With around a dozen songs to learn together with plenty of rousing dance routines, the young cast work hard to bring to the production the enthusiasm and commitment that has become the byword for the annual Dorchester Arts Centre project.