Chippenham Hi-Lights celebrates 35 years of theatre in the town with a Wind in the Willows performance starting on Thursday.

The all child cast, some as young as six, have been rehearsing at the West End Club for nine months to bring Chippenham the classic riverbank tale of Mole, Ratty, Toad and Badger, which the Royal Opera House has just taken to the stage in London’s West End.

For some of the Chippenham youngsters it will be their first ever appearance on stage.

Hi-Lights producer Verina Vanzillotti said: “We are very grateful that the people of Chippenham have supported us to be able to reach this milestone.

“We have chosen this year to move away from traditional pantomime again and continue with a musical play of Wind in the Willows. There are plenty of added musical numbers, and once again we have made it our own.

“Our choice to continue this way was pretty much forced on us due to the very young cast that the group has become. We can honestly say we have many young talented characters. This evening will be a first for so many of them, either by taking a main role, or just a few lines, and for some the very first time they have been on stage.”

She thanked all the people working behind the scenes to make sure Hi-Lights can continue. “Once again while we have been working to be on stage our avid group of working Mums and helpers have been with us at every rehearsal, designing, making and preparing costumes, and accessories. And the backstage crew have been making scenery and props.

“Without this help and support by so many friends and family, this evening would not be possible. We feel extremely privileged to have so many people giving their spare time to help us.”

Performances run at the Neeld Hall on February 26-28 at 7.30pm, with a matinee show on Sunday March 1 at 2.30pm. Tickets on the door cost £8.50 for adults and £5.50 for children and OAPs.