HONK the award-winning musical is being brought to the stage in Trowbridge next week by local group Stand Sure Productions.

The musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen story The Ugly Duckling incorporates its message of tolerance. The award-winning musical has been delighting audiences since it first hatched in 1998 and even won the Olivier award for Best New Musical, beating not only Mamma Mia but also The Lion King.

With a mostly young cast from all over north and west Wiltshire the production is being directed by Chris J Anderson, and stars Jays Brady, who stepped in at the last minute to play Maureen and Queenie, a chatty moorhen and snobbish cat, with Joely Hudson, who recently played Annie for TAOS, playing Ugly.

When a clutch of beautiful ducklings is born, they go off for their first swimming lesson with their Dad, Drake, leaving Mum Ida sitting on a rather large egg. The egg eventually hatches and Ugly is presented to the family. He looks quite a bit different from his brothers and sisters as they, and indeed everyone else on the farm, are quick to point out.

The little fowl finds himself on a journey of discovery, outwitting a very hungry cat and meeting a whole flock of characters along the way, from the geese on a route march to a domesticated cat and domesticated chicken.

The show is brought to the stage at the Arc Theatre from August 16-20 with nightly performances at 7.30pm and a matinee on the Saturday at 2.30pm.

Tickets at £11 and £10 concessions available from 01225 756376.