IN only its second production, Leslie's Record, youth theatre group Act One rose to the challenge of presenting a piece of work that gave every member the opportunity to play a part in a moving and thought-provoking piece written and directed by Act One founder Caroline Peachey.

The stark newspaper account - 'Arson youth caused £100,000 damage' - provides the starting point for the play's eloquent examination of how one particular 16-year-old reached what looks like the point of no return with a reputation to match.

The piece opens with Leslie's birth, a disappointment to the whole family, which had wanted a girl, and follows him through a childhood shunned both at school and at home, in and out of care when his mother can't cope.

Three talented youngsters played Leslie at seven, 11 and 15 - Blake Mills, Richard Homes and Lyndon Webb - ably supported by members of Act One to create a vivid picture of how easily a child can be overlooked, misunderstood and too quickly judged.

The final scene, dramatic and poignant, was outstanding. Every member of the cast and production team (one and the same in many cases) deserves a huge round of applause for a their professionalism and enthusiasm.

Philippa May