The world premier of Private Widdle’s Rep, based around Carry On star Charles Hawtrey’s time in Swindon, is part of this year’s Madam Renard’s 2015 Fringe.

The play is written by Matthew Clift, manager of the Phoenix Theatre, in New College, Swindon, and will be performed by Whole Hog Theatre Company.

As the fringe is such an essentially Swindonian event, Matthew wanted to write a piece of theatre, to be performed by Swindon actors, in celebration of the town.

He said that the Mechanics is such an iconic Swindon building it set him thinking about the repertory company that was based there from the 1920s to the 1960s.

“I looked up the Swindon Rep Company and found the name Anthony Hawtrey, which set me wondering if he was related to the famous Charles Hawtrey.

“I found out that Charles actually worked in Swindon, in rep, as a bit part actor and stage manager before he starred in the Carry On films,’’ said Matthew.

“So I used him as the central character. But it is a play for Swindon, about Swindon and starring Swindon actors.’’ The Whole Hog Theatre Company will be performing Private Widdle’s Rep at the Steam Railway Museum on Wednesday, April 8, from 7pm.

Matthew was one of the founder members of the company in 2009, with a core of five actors.

Since then they have notched up numerous awards in national festivals, including the final of the All England Theatre Festival.

Swindon actor Max Sly will take the part of Charles Hawtrey in the ten-strong cast of the new play. Becky Cann is Sally, the wardrobe mistress. Her every-woman character gives Charles a shoulder to cry on.

Another Swindon stalwart, Steven Sprosson, takes the part of Arthur, the comedy character.

Matthew said: “It is set in the 1950s and takes a nostalgic look at how rep used to run. Rep was a training ground for actors which since the theatrical revolution of the 1960s does not exist anymore.’’ The plot revolves around the director of the rep walking out and leaving Charles to pick up the pieces. The company is in the middle of rehearsals for A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

“Some of his demons come out as the pressure mounts,’’ said Matthew.

“And like many actors of that time, he turns to the bottle.’’ Private Widdle’s Rep will have a warm up at the Isle of Man’s Festival of Plays before the premiere at Steam.  - Flicky Harrison

Tickets cost £12 from 01793 524481 or click on wyverntheatre. org.uk