SWINDON Youth Theatre are in final rehearsals for their latest production – which tells the story of a real-life murder.

Professional theatre company Sixth Sense, which runs Swindon Youth Theatre, will stage the Laramie Project from April 1 to 3 at Swindon Dance in Regent’s Circus.

Sixth Sense, based at the Wyvern Theatre, will move their rehearsals to Swindon Dance next week.

The Laramie Project tells the story of the story of the citizens of Laramie in the United States, , USA in 1998 coming to terms with the death of Matthew Shepard in 1998. The university student was found brutally beaten and tied to a farmer’s fence. The play incorporates the actual words of those concerned with Matthew’s death to create a moving portrayal of ordinary people affected by tragedy.

An ensemble of 20 of Swindon Youth Theatre’s oldest members will portray 60 characters in more than 30 locations during the production.

Youth Theatre director Aaron Parsons said: “This is a play about prejudice and tolerance. Most teenagers feel like they don’t belong at some point or are scared to express themselves.

“The cast have really engaged with knowing that their lines are actual words said by somebody else.

“Matthew was gay and so the murder was denounced as a hate crime and brought major legal changes in America.”

Cast member Kiara Wakeley, 18, said: “This play’s completely different to anything we’ve done before. It’s been really interesting and dynamic playing real people.”

“I hope people will come and see all our hard work, they’ll be surprised and moved by it.”

The play portrays themes of acceptance and equality with an award-winning film version released in 2002.

Tickets are £12 with a recommended age range of 14+ and are available from the ticket office on 01793 601 700 or www.swindondance.org.uk

A donation from profits will be made to The Matthew Shepard Foundation, created by Matthew’s parents to ‘erase hate’ in the world.