YOUNG actors and directors took part in the Edinburgh Fringe for the first time this year, experiencing everything the world-famous arts festival has to offer.

Members of Malvern Theatres Young Company performed several shows of their production Antigone in Malvern Theatres to excellent reviews, before transferring to the Scottish capital for their run on The Space on the Mile.

They learned about all aspects of touring theatre, including challenging schedules, an unknown venue, limited dressing and rehearsal space, and self-promotion, such as handing out leaflets on the Royal Mile.

Malvern Theatres chief executive Nic Lloyd said: “This was a fantastic opportunity for our young company. Not only did they get to perform in Edinburgh, but they also learned vital lessons about the realities of the theatre industry.

“When Mark Rylance performed in Malvern, he went out on to Church Street and flyered his play - he’s one of the world’s greatest actors and he knows the hard work it takes to succeed, and it was invaluable for our youngsters to experience this same graft first-hand.

“The cast got to enjoy the festival and we were delighted to watch our young company’s alumnus, Jacob Buckley, produce and star in his own play.”

Cast member Emily Henry said: “Taking part in Edinburgh Fringe was an incredible opportunity. It was definitely one of the best weeks of my life.”