SHOPPERS got a surprise on Saturday when a flash mob from Swindon Youth Theatre turned up.

Youngsters from the Wyvern Theatre-based SYT broke away from the crowds in the town centre to stage a two-minute flash mob.

They performed to contemporary music and the world’s greatest motivational speeches, drawn from theatre and film, before forming a circle and holding aloft one of the cast bearing a banner with the words Swindon Youth Theatre was here. They then dispersed back into the crowd in true flash mob style.

The performance – which was allowed to go ahead with permission from town centre management company InSwindon – showcased what the theatre company can achieve and how it can reach large audiences.

It is part of the acclaimed Sixth Sense Theatre Company and has been established for more than 25 years.

It has the promise of funding from the Arts Council of England for three years from April and is looking for a corporate backer or backers to provide £15,000-£20,000 over the three year period. For more details visit www.sixthsensetheatre typ.co.uk. To discuss sponsorship call 077 806 39287.