Spring Awakening, Sallis Benney Theatre, Brighton, May 18 until May 20

But that all changed in 2006 when a rock musical version took Broadway by storm, earning eight Tony Awards including best musical, and four Olivier awards in the West End.

Now West Sussex Youth Theatre and OnO Theatre have joined forces for a big budget production of the show as part of the Fringe.

It tells the story of teenagers living in a German community at the end of the 19th century, as they tangle with strict schoolmasters, and start to mature sexually.

“It’s perfectly suited for young people to perform,” says director Robin Belfield. “The original play was called A Tragedy For Children.

“Although it was written in the late 1800s it still speaks volumes about the pressures that young people face both emotionally and in the education system – as well as how easy it is for adults to misunderstand them.”

The idea to tackle the musicial came from the youth theatre members themselves, which is made up of actors aged between 16 and 25.

“They were so passionate about it, which is half the battle won already,” says Belfield. “My job is about supporting and nurturing them, making sure they are the best they can be.”

Belfield last worked with the youth theatre on a production of Romeo And Juliet, which has similar situations of divided lovers, lost letters and disapproving adults.

“The musical was big news when we were doing Romeo And Juliet,” says Belfield. “They were listening to the music and were fascinated by it. That passion and inspiration makes for good drama.”

Spring Awakening, which has also been performed in Horsham’s Capitol Theatre, is supported by a working production crew to give it a fully professional feel.

“The youth theatre is run as a professional company,” says Belfield. “The work they do is to a high standard. They choose the plays you would expect a professional theatre company to produce – they don’t go for safe options.”

* 7.30pm, from £15/£10, 01273 917272