THROUGHOUT the run of Russian State Ballet and Opera House’s visit at the Wyvern Theatre, front-of-house volunteers will be encouraging patrons to donate money in support of local tap dancer Matt Pidgeon and the England tap dancing team.

Yesterday, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House performed The Nutcracker and tonight they will perform Romeo and Juliet. Bucket collections will be held after each performance.

“Our long-term project is to try hard to involve more local dance students and dancers and to integrate them in our future productions,” said the producers of the Russian State Ballet and Opera House. “We are delighted to support Matt, a local tap dancer, as he attempts to raise funds for the self-funded England tap-dancing team.”

Since the England tap dancing team is completely self-funded, Matt is now fundraising for his share of the £25,000 it costs for the team to compete.

“Training for the world championships is intense yet exciting,” said Matt Pidgeon, 15. “The fundraising support provided by the Wyvern Theatre along with the Russian State Ballet and Opera House is greatly appreciated as it allows me to focus efforts on my training.”

“We were extremely keen to support Matt, who has performed at the Wyvern Theatre a number of times with the Summer Youth Project,” said marketing manager Richard Loftus.

To book tickets for tonight’s show call 01793 524481.

In February 2014, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will come back to Swindon with Bizet’s Carmen, an opera performed to a large, live orchestra. Tickets are now on sale.