One classic story, two weeks and 25 youngsters - talk about Great Expectations.

East Anglian Daily Times: Rehearsals for Three Men in a Boat. Alastair Whatley, Anna Westlake, Paul Westwood and Tom Hackney. Photo: Tony KellyRehearsals for Three Men in a Boat. Alastair Whatley, Anna Westlake, Paul Westwood and Tom Hackney. Photo: Tony Kelly (Image: Archant)

The Theatre Royal Summer School sees them work alongside theatre professionals for two weeks to produce a professional-standard production of Charles Dickens’ coming-of-age tale.

While the cast worked on a host of theatre skills and rehearse, others have been creating the set, organising props and scenery and filling other technical roles.

Amy Wyllie, community projects officer at the Bury St Edmunds venue, directs but insists the ambitious project is a collaborative effort from start to finish.

Run in partnership with West Suffolk College and The Apex, Nick Ormerod and Declan Donnellan’s new adaptation is at The Apex tomorrow and Sunday. Check out the rehearsals web gallery.

Earlier this week, the cast and crew of Three Men in a Boat dropped anchor at the Theatre Royal for an intensive rehearsal process.

Set up in the Greene Room bar, Jerome K Jerome’s classic tale of boating misadventure opens at the Theatre Royal on September 4 September.

Marking the 125th anniversary of the book’s publication, the show will be the first co-production between the Theatre Royal and Whepstead based Original Theatre Company who have enjoyed sell-out success locally and nationally with their stage version of Sebastian Faulks’ Birdsong which is preparing for its third national tour.

It will debut at the Theatre Royal before sailing out on a countrywide tour, including a visit to the New Wolsey in Ipswich from October 21-25.