A 14-year-old schoolboy has become Conquest Theatre's youngest ever director.

Joseph Howlett, an active member of the Youth Theatre at Bromyard, has directed Bus Stop, a one-act play to be included in a double bill, Women at Their Best, on Tuesday (May 2) at 7.30pm.

He chose Bus Stop, a comedy involving nine different characters, from scripts offered by Youth Theatre leader Margaret Dallow, who is directing the other play, Taut Canvas, about two teenage girls in a tent.

Being in charge has not been without problems for the young director, who was late starting rehearsals because people did not turn up for auditions.

He has since had to contend with three actors dropping out and has imported one player from the Courtyard Theatre.

"I chose the play because it was funny and it was recommended as a nice, easy first play to do," said Joseph, who has been taught and assisted as director by Karen Gibbard.

"At the moment I'm not sure whether I prefer acting or directing because I have learned to direct the hard way, working with people I have been acting alongside," he said.

Some of his fellow GCSE drama students from the Bishop of Hereford's Bluecoat School will be going to see the play and write an evaluation of it.

Margaret Dallow said: "Joseph has worked very hard. It's difficult trying to direct your own peers but he's a very confident young man who is obviously going to make his mark on the World.

"We have a thriving Youth Theatre with 40 boys and girls aged eight to 18 and I'm very proud that it helps these youngsters with their exams and their careers."

Tickets for the double bill are £3 and £4, on 01885 488575.