MORE than 150 youngsters are taking part in an epic production of tales from 1,001 Arabian Nights.

Stories for Survival began last night at East Oxford’s Pegasus Theatre and will run to Saturday.

Youngsters aged six and over are performing modern and historic takes on the ancient collection of stories, which introduced Aladdin and Ali Baba.

The magic of dance, poetry and clowning brings thosed famed tales to life alongside lesser known stories like The Envious Sisters, and Princess Badoura.

And it introduces the new story of Adnan Al Sayegh, who lives in the UK after fleeing Iraq for protesting against its military regime through poetry and speeches.

The show is being put on by Pegasus Youth Theatre Production Company.

St Ebbe’s School pupil Abby Hawkesworth, six, said: “I love doing dance and drama at the Pegasus with Allan and Angharad. I feel excited, and a bit scared, about the performance. I really hope I do well. It will be fun performing with all my friends.”

Allan Hutson and Angharad Phillips run the dance and drama classes for 6-8 year olds at the Pegasus.

Production director Yasmin Sidhwa said: “This is a very exciting project.

“The last time Pegasus Youth Theatre created a production involving all the youth groups was Journeys To Freedom in 2008 just before closing the theatre for major rebuilding.”

The show will run each night at 7pm with a Saturday matinee at 1.3pm.

Tickets are £7 or £5 concessions and £4 for under 18s on 01865 812150.