YOUNGSTERS from a performing arts academy will be strutting their stuff on the Wyvern stage to raise funds for charity.

The actors, singers and dancers from the Wilkes Academy, based in Lethbridge School, are taking part in Smile, the Mayor of Swindon Rex Barnett’s variety concert on Friday, January 21 in the Wyvern Theatre.

The academy was set up in 2009 by musical theatre star Jonathan Wilkes and his Swindon-born wife Nikki, who live near Wootton Bassett.

The couple have about 110 students on their books aged between three and 16.

Jonathan said: “Whenever you ask kids what they want to do when they grow up they all say they want to be famous – they want to be a celebrity.’’ The couple are making sure their students get a good grounding and professional training, including masterclasses from some of their showbiz friends.

“The difference with our academy is that we show them that the trade is not about glamour but hard work,’’ said Nikki.

This summer Jonathan flew to Los Angeles to take up his role as best man for his pal Robbie Williams. He has also been touring as Khashoggi in the musical We Will Rock You.

Jonathan and Nikki have also opened an academy in Jonathan’s home town of Stoke-on-Trent.

The singer’s first hit Just Another Day entered the charts in 2001 before he was snapped up the following year for a part in Godspell and a career in musical theatre.

Jonathan has also been a TV host on such shows as You’ve Been Framed, and he co-presented the first series of the dating show Love on a Saturday Night along with appearing on Celebrity Stars In Their Eyes, and as a guest on Paul O’Grady and Loose Women.

Nikki said that her students have all been working hard towards the mayor’s concert and are excited about treading the boards.

For tickets to the Smile variety concert, which starts at 7.30pm, call 01793 524481 or visit www.wyverntheatre.org.uk.