ANDREW Curphey Theatre Company is presenting a free virtual show 'packed with lots of fun, chat and games' on Thursday.

The family-friendly ACTC TV – on Facebook Live and YouTube – will be a continuation of the 20-episode run the group did during the first lockdown and is back as a half term special as a thank you to supporters.

Founded by Andrew Curphey, who can count Gary Barlow among his contacts and once performed for the Queen, the company hosts a range of classes in performing arts and musical theatre that are suitable for young people aged between five and 19.

All the sessions have now gone virtual but over more than a decade he has helped countless budding performers in Widnes.

Andrew said: "I am doing this project to continue our work and to stay connected. Everyone has been impacted by the current climate and ACTC TV was a consistent for us and our community during the initial lockdown.

Andrew Curphey.

Andrew Curphey.

"It felt right to bring it back for half term. In March when we closed our doors temporarily to our range of classes, we managed to create ACTC TV a weekly family show that broadcast live on Facebook and YouTube. We managed 20 episodes from March to September – it’s time to make it 21.

"Andrew Curphey Theatre Company classes haven’t closed completely for the current national lockdown and we have gone virtual.

"As we have been teaching our full timetable virtually, ACTC TV wasn’t possible to be a weekly project. But now it’s half term it felt right to bring it back. It’s a thank you to our community and beyond for all of their support during these current times."

Andrew has loved the stage since he was a teenager.

The former Butlin’s Redcoat was just 15 when he started a youth theatre company with his friend Toni Smith.

  • ACTC TV returns for a half term special at 6pm on Thursday. Visit facebook.com/actheatreco or youtube.com/andrewcurphey