BUDDING Swindon actors will take centre-stage next week in a play penned by Horrible Histories author Terry Deary.

Prime Youth theatre students Emilia Midwinter, 13, and Vlad Blakey, 14, will star in the radio play The Wyvern of Wiltshire which begins airing May 29 on BBC Wiltshire.

The mystical new play described as a quest across ‘time, space, myth and legend’ sees Amy, played by Emilia, and George, played by Vlad explore the medieval library at Salisbury Cathedral.

Although they only expect to find dusty books, they are surprised when they encounter a mythical Wyvern who sets them a series of riddle related challenges. They then embark on a whistle-stop tour of Wiltshire landmarks.

Producer Emma Colman said: “It’s fun, it’s magical, there is great comedy and the children have done an absolutely amazing job with it.

“People are being encouraged to use their imagination and be transported into a magical world. There is lots of twists and turns, it’s not what people would expect.

“To have Terry Deary write this play is absolutely incredibly. He’s loved by children, parents, grandparents, he appeals to everyone so we are very excited.”

The best-selling author of the Horrible Histories wrote the 10 part play after being approached by old friend, Prime Theatre’s artistic director Mark Powell.

Despite their tender years, the play’s two stars have an impressive roster of acting jobs behind them.

Commonweal student Emilia has been a student at Prime Youth Theatre for three years and The Wyvern of Wiltshire will be her third production having been involved with The Odyssey and 2046.

Home-schooled Vlad has been attending Prime Youth Theatre for seven years, performing in productions such as His Dark Materials, Hansel and Gretel and 2046.

The play also features BBC Wiltshire presenter, Rhik Sammander and Barbara Kirby. The play is directed by Mark Powell.

Emma said: “We want people to feel enthralled by it but also to feel pride in their county. Wiltshire is a fantastic place so we want people listening to have fun but also learn about their county.”

Mary Sanders, BBC Wiltshire editor, added: “This is an extremely exciting project and it's a real honour that Terry Deary has written the plays for us.

“The Wyvern of Wiltshire showcases the fantastic talents of some of our local actors, as well as celebrating the iconic landmarks around Wiltshire.

The Wyvern of Wiltshire was written exclusively for BBC Wiltshire in partnership with Prime Youth Theatre and Salisbury Arts Festival.

It will air every weekday from 11am starting Monday, May 29 on BBC Wiltshire, 103.6 FM, 103.5FM, 104.3FM and DAB.

The play will be downloadable from bbc.co.uk/bbcwiltshire during and after the festival.