Fancy a taste of the limelight? MARION SAUVEBOIS finds out how ITS name has become synonymous with talent, entertainment in its purest form and of course fun, but despite its well-established reputation SALOS is not resting on its laurels.

Always looking ahead to the next production, members thrive on challenges-logistical and otherwise -and the odd curve-ball thrown their way each year.

The musical theatre company has played an important role within the town's arts scene since it was formed in 1951. It now puts on a musical as well as several concerts throughout the year, which always prove popular with Swindon audiences. Never afraid of large scale productions, the troupe completed a run of Oliver! at the Wyvern Theatre at the end of October with a cast of more than 90 including 60 children – its biggest to date.

It is now focusing on its next venture: the musical adaptation of hit film Sister Act.

Member Russell Langdown, who directed Oliver!, said: "We had over 100 children audition, and we were really pleased to be able to invite 60 of them to perform with us.

“There are so many talented young people in our town. Rehearsals were so busy, but the children were wonderful.”

SALOS has a number of different memberships: playing members, associate members, life members and patrons.

The group holds auditions in spring, before rehearsals for the main show at the Wyvern start, and in November, before the start of the winter/spring programme of concerts and workshops. Hopefuls are asked to perform a song from the musical of their choice. Although not all playing members dance on stage, auditionees will be taught a short choreographed piece which they will then need to perform in a group.

Not all members are actors and many have dedicated roles backstage.

 

  • To join the troupe email salos_swindon@
    hotmail.com or visit www.salos.org and download an application form to be returned to SALOS, 160 Drove Road, Swindon, SN1 3AG.
    Alternatively you can call 01793 343298.