HUNDREDS of budding actors flocked to an open casting session at St Paul’s Church Hall on Monday for a new TV pilot.

The opening shot of ‘Will’ will be set in Chippenham and the London casting agency 2020 Casting were on the hunt for local residents to feature in the bustling market scene.

Written by Craig Pearce, the man behind Moulin Rouge and The Great Gatsby, and directed by Shekhar Kapur, who directed Elizabeth, the pilot will be based on Shakespeare’s arrival in London.

Nigel Crowe, 59, of Chippenham, who went along on the day said: “It looked like a bit of fun so I thought I’d come along with my daughter and wife to see what it’s all about. Who knows, maybe it will lead to a new career on the silver screen. I’ve done a few roleplays on work training days, which will maybe help me if I make it onto the set. If I was a bit younger and had more hair I’d love to star as George Best."

Candy Marlowe, casting director, said: “The show is Elizabethan with a modern twist, so we’re looking for some very classic Elizabethan looks but also for individuality and things that are slightly unusual, such as crazy hair or a vibrant array of colours.

“We’re looking for all kinds of roles; we need acrobats, a tightrope walker, some contemporary dancers, market traders. The scene features a blacksmith and we managed to find someone who works as a genuine one which was a real coup. It’s great to see so many young people here too.”

Around 200 of the 240 people who attended the session will feature in the scene and the lead roles are being cast this week, with several star names expected to be announced.

Shannon Messer, 19, of Melksham said: “I study TV and film at Chippenham College so this sounded like a good thing to get involved with. It’s a great opportunity to get some experience of what it’s like to be on set. I’ve been an extra in a music video and I’ve also been on the set of Poldark and watched Downton Abbey being filmed in Lacock.”

Alice Tedds, 16, of Chippenham said: “I study drama at A-level and see this as a really good opportunity to get some experience. I love acting so hopefully it’ll be a lot of fun too if I’m chosen. It will be a good chance to meet lots of new like-minded people.”

Erin Weaver, 23, of Calne said: “I studied performing arts at college and university and last summer I got offered to do some work as an extra on a film set and enjoyed it so much I thought I’d do some more. I would love to be in a Tim Burton film one day, that’s the dream.”