THE celebrity founder of a Swindon-based performing arts school is set for the high seas as he entertains crowds on board cruise ships from next year.

Jonathan Wilkes, TV presenter and singer, and founder of Wilkes Academy in Westmead Drive, is taking his new dance routine, called Evolution, to audiences on P&O Cruises.

The show is described as “visually explosive” and combines dancers, singers and stunning techno-visuals that explore the diversity between two tribes, the Fabricators and the Humanoids.

Excited about his new venture, which begins in October 2017, Jonathan said: “It’s a real thrill for me to be producing this show on board Azura.

“P&O Cruises has the best state-of-the-art theatres at sea and their special effects, combined with the talented cast, stunning costumes and powerful playlist will allow us to take Azura’s guests on an electrifying theatrical journey.”

As the story goes, the Fabricators have evolved from the industrial revolution and embrace mechanical construction and masculine characteristics while the Humanoids are un-worldly fantasy creatures with bird and animal traits.

Their two worlds collide as the lead Fabricator and female Humanoid fall in love and the two tribes eventually come together to create a utopian world.

Choreographed by award-winning Barbara Evans, the show features songs by Michael Jackson, Coldplay, Sting, Lady Gaga, Elton John and Paloma Faith, while costumes include metallic body armour, boots and face masks for the Fabricators and purple skins and plumage for the Humanoids.

Described as ‘Mad Max meets Avatar’, the fantasy world of Evolution offers high impact entertainment that combines acrobatics and aerial dance with songs of a generation.

Paul Ludlow, senior vice president of P&O Cruises, said: “Evolution is unlike any other show we have ever shown on board. It is visually stunning, with mesmerizing dancing and will be a wholly immersive experience for our guests.”

For more information or to book call P&O Cruises on 0843 374 0111, visit www.pocruises.co.uk or visit your local travel agent.