Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre will be buzzing this week as 250 youngsters attempt to produce a full scale musical in under two weeks.
The patter of many feet will ring through every spare inch of the theatre as the aspiring actors, singers and dancers are put through their paces by a team of professionals.
This year’s chosen musical is Summer Holiday, based on the 1963 film starring Cliff Richard and The Shadows.
Project Co-ordinator Nyree Kingsbury said: “We’re all very excited. The hard work and talent that we see every year from the young people taking part, both on stage and behind the scenes is phenomenal and it really is my favourite two weeks of the year at the Wyvern. The whole theatre will be buzzing with activity and to see the cast and crew come alive in just 10 days to produce a full-scale show of professional quality is very special. If you miss it, you’re missing out!’
David Jell the Wyvern’s Deputy Technical Manager is the production manager for this production tackling the logistics of 250 young and enthusiastic actors on stage.
Along with young performers the technical crew at the theatre is taking on a team of budding back stage engineers.
David said: “This year we have extended the age range for technical participants for anyone between the ages of 14 and 26 which is brilliant for the local young people who have an interest and would like some experience working in a professional environment.’’
Joining David on the team of experts will be a director, choreographer, musical director, musicians and his own techie team.
It is quite a feat for the youngsters, as even professionals usually have three weeks on average to run through their lines and grow into their characters, before facing an audience. 
There will be five performances of Summer Holiday presented by actors from nine to 21-years-old providing a taste of British nostalgia. The musical tells the story of Don and his pals who hire a double decker London bus to take them on holiday to Greece. It is the ultimate feel-good road trip, with songs including Bachelor Boy, In The Country, On The Beach, Pull On Your Dancing Shoes and of course the title track.
The Swindon Summer Youth Project began in 1994 with Bugsy Malone and every year since has presented such shows as Joseph, My Fair Lady, Annie, 42nd Street, West Side Story, Crazy For You, Oliver and many more including last year’s hugely successful Grease.
Not only does the project help theatrical aspirations in the young cast but it also builds confidence, develops learning skills, unites young people from a range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds, allows them to make lots of new friends and most importantly to have fun in an imaginative and creative environment.
Tickets for Summer Holiday which begins at 7.30pm nightly are available from 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk - Flicky Harrison