Fidel the Musical has launched a competition challenging young people to re-examine Cuban history. The project is based at the University of Southampton and over 250 schools have already signed up. Students and young song writers across the UK are invited to write songs for Fidel – The Musical for the chance to win some fantastic prizes and the best will be featured in the musical itself.

The competition gives students the opportunity to learn about the history of Fidel Castro and the Cuban Revolution in an exciting way, while also developing their skills in music and drama. The project started with an educational outlook but there has been increasing demand for a professional production of Fidel the Musical.

The Mayflower Theatre in Southampton has now offered to run workshops for the musical at half-price due to the community values it represents. The team is trying to raise £10,000 through crowdfunding so that these workshops can go ahead. Donations can be made through the University of Southampton’s hubbub portal.

Supporters will be rewarded with everything from posters, toy soldiers and t-shirts to a night out in a Cuban restaurant. The top reward is the Revolution Glass donated by Tony Philips, who received it personally from Fidel Castro and Che Guevara as a thank you for delivering medicines to Havana.

The deadline to enter your songs is 6 November 2015. To find out more about how students and schools can get involved with the project, visit the Fidel the Musical website.