Children from Swindon and Wiltshire are preparing to put on a show at the town's Wyvern Theatre. 

Last year the county's youngsters brought the stage musical The Wizard Of Oz to town, but this summer The Wyvern Theatre Summer Youth Project will not be in Kansas anymore as it is heading 'under the sea'.

The group is proud to present the enchanting tale of Disney’s The Little Mermaid, sponsored by Coatstone Surfacing, and rehearsals for what is being called a 'vibrant' production are now heavily underway.

Oli Webb, creative learning manager and producer for the Summer Youth project says "I can't wait to see the incredible energy and creativity that these young talents will bring to the Wyvern stage.

(Image: Wyvern Theatre)

"SYP is a fantastic opportunity for them to shine and for us to support the next generation of creatives".

The 'intensive' rehearsals started on Monday, August 5 and feature a cast of talented young actors, singers, and dancers from across the county, and will take place within just two weeks

After that, these budding homegrown stars will be ready to dazzle audiences with their portrayals of Ariel, Prince Eric, Ursula, and other beloved characters when the show opens to audiences on Thursday, August 15 and runs until Saturday. 

The creative team will be led by local legend, David Ashley as director, along with Andrew Collis as musical director and Meg McCarthy as Choreographer, with the assistance of Richard Abrams as assistant musical director and Caitlin Nicholls as assistant choreographer

Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, The Little Mermaid is about a beautiful young mermaid named Ariel who lives in a magical underwater kingdom.

Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home – and her fins – behind and live in the world above. But first, she’ll have to defy her father, King Triton, make a deal with the evil sea witch, Ursula, and convince the handsome Prince Eric that she’s the girl whose enchanting voice he’s been seeking

Tickets are available now and can be purchased online at swindontheatres.co.uk, by phone on 01793 535534, or in person at the Wyvern Theatre Ticket Office.

Early booking is recommended to secure the best seats and avoid disappointment.

The Summer Youth Project is dedicated to providing young performers with the opportunity to participate in high-quality theatrical productions.

Through professional mentorship and hands-on experience, participants gain valuable skills, confidence, and a lifelong love of the arts.