WHEN 1950s rock ‘n’ roll hero Conrad Birdie is conscripted into the army, his agent concocts the ultimate PR stunt: Birdie will bid farewell to an average American teenage girl travelling to her hometown to giving her an all-American goodbye kiss for the nation to watch.

Wantage Junior Showstoppers are putting their production of Bye Bye Birdie at King Alfred’s Academy, Portway, this Friday and Saturday.

The gentle satire explores how the town of Sweet Apple, Ohio, reacts when the biggest star in the world comes to visit.

Birdie is being played by 13-year-old Alex Castle, pictured below with 14-year-old Georgina Volkers who plays Kim MacAfee, the girl who has the honour of receiving his farewell smooch.

Georgina said: “Everything is on track for a good show.”

This performance has been directed by Jennie Baxter who said: “I have been extremely impressed by the students’ energy and commitment.

“Wantage has some incredible young talent.”

Sadly, this could be the last show they perform.

The director is unable to carry on after this production, so after seven years the group will fold if a new director cannot be found.

Anyone who may be able to help can go to wantagejuniorshowstoppers.co.uk.

Bye Bye Birdie performances start at 7pm with a matinee on Saturday at 2pm. Tickets at £8 for adults and £5 for children or concessions can be brought from Bretts Pharmacy, Grove or on the door.