R&J PRODUCTIONS have scored yet another first for Swindon with their latest production — Sunset Boulevard.

Ray Dance and Judith Sharp will be the first musical theatre company in the south west to perform an amateur production of the famous play. It is based on the Billy Wilder Academy award-winning film of 1950.

Judith said: “Ray and I were delighted to be given the opportunity to be among the first amateur groups in the south west to stage Sunset Boulevard, especially after being granted the performing rights to White Christmas last December, the first time that show was staged in this area!’’ Sunset Boulevard will be at the Swindon Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town, from Wednesday, June 24 to Saturday, June 27.

The musical is based on the long boulevard in Beverley Hills, which was home to many Hollywood movie stars, many from the silent film era.

It was walking down this street and wondering what had happened to the glittering stars, who could not translate their talent to the talkies, that inspired Billy Wilder’s flamboyant creation.

Judith says that in the Arts Centre they are not going to try to imitate the film set, or rival a larger theatre’s lavish staging.

“Our production will be staged in a very different way, a minimal set, but complimented by lots of highly effective creative lighting which will give both atmosphere and tension,’’ she said.

The story centres on Norma Desmond (played by Judith Sharp, pictured), a fading film star of the silent movies who lives with her servant, Max, in the once grand mansion, and tells the tale of her disastrous relationship with a young scriptwriter, Joe Gillis.

Joining Judith in the leading roles are Ray Dance, Russell Langdown and Becci Benson. The directors are Russell and Sandra Gilbert.

Russell directed his first SALOS production when he was just 13 years old.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber songs from the musical have become classics and include With One Look, The Perfect Year, As If We Never Said Goodbye along with the title track, Sunset Boulevard.

Judith said: “Rehearsals are proving both challenging and enjoyable since, unlike most musicals, there is very little dialogue. Virtually all the story is sung, which is demanding on both performers and the band — they never stop playing.’’ Other musicals staged by Ray and Judith have included South Pacific, The King and I, Guys and Dolls and The Sound of Music.

Sunset Boulevard will be Judith and Ray’s 24th production at the Arts Centre and this year’s chosen charity is the Prospect Hospice at Wroughton. To date the musicals have scooped a huge £100,000 for local charities.

Tickets are £13 and £12 concessions from 01793 524481 or 01672 861654 or visit swindontheatres.co.uk. — FLICKY HARRISON