Budding actors take bite of theatre experience (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Budding actors take bite of theatre experience

Working with a blood-sucking plant is a dodgy venture at best, but around 45 hopeful Swindon actors are willing to take the chance for a taste of stardom.

Rehearsals have begun on Phase II, the adult version of the successful Summer Youth Project, leading up to a performance of Little Shop of Horrors at the Wyvern Theatre next week.

Phase II gives the budding actors, aged from 16 to 35 years, a chance to experience the disciplines of working in professional theatre.

Little Shop of Horrors is the story of a meek and mild florist who makes a pact with one of his plants to try and win the girl he loves but the plant needs blood to survive and he has to provide it.

Songs from the show include Little Shop of Horrors, Feed Me, Skid Row, Audrey, Grow For Me and Green.

Pollyann Tanner is both director and choreographer of the musical. She said: "The cast have really got stuck in, it is a fantastic show and we have a superb cast who are putting everything in to make it a success, the talent is outstanding, I don't think anyone could fail to enjoy it.''

The show runs from April 15 to 17 and tickets are on sale at £8.50 from (01793) 524481.

Darren Edward, assistant marketing officer at the theatre and co-ordinator of Phase II, said: "First day of rehearsals kicked off without a hitch, the cast are a great bunch who have bonded really well.''

"The arrival of the man eating plant added even more excitement, the whole theatre was literally buzzing with excitement and energy,'' said Darren.