IT wasn't only the Spiders from Mars who were Ziggy's band. Thousands of teenagers about Britain in the early 1970's were too.

This fanaticism for David Bowie is the inspiration behind a new youth musical by Southampton playwright Mark Wheeller which makes its world premiere next Thursday.

Head of drama at Oaklands School in Southampton, Mark has already had several of his plays published and these are performed in schools across the country. His latest project about David Bowie mania called Ziggy's Band plans to be a real break from the traditional school play offerings.

He explains: "I have used this play as an opportunity to share my enthusiasm for the era of Bowie work and imagine what would have happened if my idea for a glam-rock group had actually come to be!"

The show is being performed for the first time by award-winning Oaklands Youth Theatre. The story is set against the backdrop of David Bowie's early 70s music and charts the life of a Ziggy era fan Shakey Threwer. As an adult, Shakey becomes David Bowie in a TV 70s special tribute show.

Awaiting the announcement of the tele-vote, he reflects on his teenage years when he dreamed of being the next Ziggy Stardust.

He forms The Luminous Earwigs with friends, Billy, Buddy and Lorraine, and composes a new rock opera about a monk as a tribute to Ziggy. His jealous rival, John, destroys the dream.

Shakey and Lorraine vow to reek their revenge and find themselves assisted by the unexpected appearance of a mysterious, undersized Genie!

Following its world premiere in Southampton, this must-see for all glam-rocker fans will hopefully be produced at the Edinburgh Festival in the summer.

Oaklands Community School from Thursday to Saturday, February 5 at 7.30pm. Tickets £4 in advance and £5.50 at the door. Box office 023 8073 9797.