Aaron Jenkins, Assistant Choreographer of the 2013 Summer Youth Project production Our House, is a former Summer Youth Project participant and is currently studying at Laines Theatre Arts. 

After taking part in his first SYP, Guys & Dolls in 2005, he went on to perform in Annie, Anything Goes and last year played Baby John in West Side Story. He has also appeared in many pantomimes here at the Wyvern Theatre, such as Peter Pan (Michael Darling), Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella. 

Aaron is currently going into his second year of training at Laine Theatre Arts in Epsom and will be returning to Swindon this Christmas to join the cast of Jack & the Beanstalk professionally.

Other theatre credits include Astaire at a Time (Epsom Playhouse) and Fiddler on the Roof, Beauty & the Beast and Crazy For You, all at the Wyvern Theatre.

Behind-the-scenes #14: Aaron Jenkins discusses SYP and panto

Dinosaur Zoo is currently showing at Regent Park's Open Air Theatre, before embarking on a UK Tour. Ahead of performances in Swindon, in September 2013, host Lindsey Chaplin explained a little about the show and the audiences reactions from across the world. 

Lindsey has been hosting the Dinosaur Zoo since 2011 and has travelled with the show extensively across Australia, Norwich, Ireland and most recently Bahrain.  Prior to this she has performed as a puppeteer and roving street performer for ERTH since 2010, beginning with a tour to South Korea as a stilt walker. 

Erth’s Dinosaur Zoo brings these awesome pre-historic creatures to the stage as you’ve never seen them before, up close and personal! From cute baby dinos to teeth-gnashing giants, meet the most recent addition to the Dinosaur Zoo, a carnivorous theropod known as the Australovenator, the most complete meat-eating dinosaur skeleton yet found in Australia.

Observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this entertaining and highly imaginative live show. But watch out - not all of these jurassic giants are as tame as they seem!

Behind-the-scenes #15: Lindsey Chaplin discusses Dinosaur Zoo

Ahead of performing at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, Joe McElderry spoke to Marketing Manager Richard Loftus about his his brand-new 'Set Your Soul Alive' tour.

Joe rose to fame when he won the sixth series of the ITV show The X Factor in 2009. Joe’s first single “The Climb” reached number one in the UK and Irish singles chart and was soon followed by the release of his debut album titled “Wide Awake”.

Joe returned to our TV screens in 2011, where he became the triumphant winner of the second series of ITV show Pop Star to Opera Star after receiving 80% of the voting throughout the series.

There is only one Joe McElderry and there is only one night for you to see this incredible singer live at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, performing songs from Rock to Pop to Classical. 

On the phone with Joe McElderry

Tweedy is a contemporary vaudeville style clown who will perform 'Tweedy's Lost Property' at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre on Sunday 29 September 2013. 

Well known for his role in the acclaimed Giffords Circus, where he has appeared for several years, Tweedy's unique style evokes a whimsical, yet natural comic character, inspired by the great silent film clowns. 

Instantly recognisable with his tuft of bright red hair and eccentric movements, Tweedy is well known for his classic routines with brooms and ladders but is also accomplished in most circus skills. 

Tweedy has appeared in other major circus productions, including several years with Zippos Circus where the clown troupe received a number of industry awards, and also as a comic stuntman at Buffalo Bills Wild West Show at Disnleyland Paris. 

In 2009-2010 Tweedy was star clown in a two-year tour of the USA in The Greatest Show On Earth, playing Mr Gravity, the accident-prone black-hat clown in the 139th Edition of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey.

Behind-the-scenes 16: Clowning about with Tweedy the Clown

Brian Conley was recently described as Britain's best loved Entertainer - and who are we to argue? The Comedian, Actor, Singer and Chat Show Host remains our most versatile performer. With a string of successes already behind him the future is looking decidedly rosy for Brian Conley. Films, Television, Musicals - you name it - he's done it - and in the words of the man he so brilliantly portrayed in the stage show 'Jolson' - "You ain't heard nothing yet"!

In October 2013, Brian will present an unmissable evening of entertainment at the Wyvern Theatre. Hear him perform songs from some of the award-winning West End musicals in which he’s starred including Hairspray, Jolson and Me and My Girl to name but a few!

A Message from Brian Conley

Cissie & Ada is a brand-new comedy play based on Les Dawson’s comic TV characters starring two former Coronation Street favourites Eric Potts (Diggory) and Steven Arnold (Ashley). Steve Nallon (famous for his Mrs Thatcher impersonation live and on Spitting Image) and actress Natasha Magigi join the cast to revisit the story and the culture behind the side-splitting sketches and that of BBC Light Entertainment in the 80’s as well as bringing Dawson and Barraclough’s comedy genius back to life.

Written by playwright Graham Warrener in collaboration with original Cissie and Ada scriptwriter Terry Ravenscroft and directed by John-Jackson Almond.

Behind-the-scenes 17: Meet the cast of Cissie & Ada

Pam Ayres has been a writer, broadcaster and entertainer for over 35 years. It was November 1975 when Pam made her first TV appearance on the TV talent show, Opportunity Knocks, the “Britain’s Got Talent” TV show of its day, and this proved to be the start of an incredible career for a unique entertainer. 

Since 1975 Pam Ayres has sold many millions of books, record albums, CDs, and DVDs. For the past fifteen years Pam has been a regular on BBC Radio. From 1996 until 1999 Pam presented a two-hour music and chat show every Sunday afternoon for Radio 2, followed by two series of Pam Ayres’ Open Road. More recently Pam has become a regular contributor to Radio 4, on such programmes as Just A Minute, Quote Unquote, Loose Ends, and three series of her own Ayres On The Air. 

Pam Ayres brings her latest show to Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre in January 2014. Pam Ayres’ work is funny, and approachable. It sounds simple, as though dashed off, but this is deceptive. Her hair-trigger timing, her eye for the detail of everyday life, and for the absurdity therein, makes for an art that hides art.

Pam Ayres performs Oh, I Wish I’d Looked After Me Teeth

James and Alison Canning play Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett in SALOS' current production of Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. 

SALOS, Swindon's Premier Musical Theatre Society, has played an important role within the town's Arts scene since it was formed in 1951. SALOS presents an annual musical at the Wyvern Theatre, as well as other concerts throughout the year.  

Stephen Sondheim’s legendary musical takes audiences to the seedy alleyways of London, where Sweeney Todd decides to exact justice and revenge on those who falsely imprisoned him. Years of many wrongdoings are set right with the help of loyal pie-shop owner Mrs Lovett, in this memorable and horrifyingly dark musical-comedy which runs at the Wyvern Theatre until Saturday 26 October.

Behind-the-scenes #19: Sweeney Todd and Mrs Lovett discuss the SALOS production

Ahead of his production's performances at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, Konstantin Uralsky spoke to Marketing Manager Richard Loftus about the Bolshoi Ballet and the two stunning ballets he has directed, The Nutcracker and Romeo and Juliet.

Konstantin Uralsky was with the Bolshoi Ballet for a decade, beginning in 1978, and toured world-wide with the company in shows such as Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker, Don Quixote, Ivan the Terrible, Much Ado About Nothing, Macbeth, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, Giselle and Spartacus. 

Uralsky has been creating ballets for more than twenty years. He is a classic Russian artist and his work is a phenomenon in Russian national culture, renowned for its creative expression. A number of ballet productions choreographed by Uralsky are exceptional in their depth of philosophical conceptual thinking and valuable creative discoveries in the field of music and choreographic drama.

The Nutcracker transforms the classical ballet into a fairy-tale, with a timeless score from incredible composer Tchaikovsky. This certified Russian classic, replete with evocative music and beautiful dance, has captured the imagination of many generations over the years and continues to attract audiences worldwide.

Romeo and Juliet is probably the world’s best known love story. William Shakespeare’s story of Romeo and Juliet was one of the first works of literature to inspire ballet choreographers, so perfectly suited to dance are its drama, romance and tragedy. Set to one of Prokofiev’s most evocative scores, this production is filled with beautiful dance, riveting battles, and compelling drama, all amidst stunning production designs.

The Russian State Ballet and Opera House will present The Nutcracker on Monday 4 November and Romeo and Juliet on Tuesday 5 November. 

On the phone with Konstantin Uralsky

Throughout the run of Russian State Ballet and Opera House’s visit at the Wyvern Theatre, front of house volunteers encouraged patrons to donate money in support of local tap dancer Matt Pidgeon and the England tap dancing team. On Monday 4 November, The Russian State Ballet and Opera House performed The Nutcracker; and on Tuesday 5 November, they performed Romeo and Juliet - bucket collections were held after each performance. 

Since the England tap dancing team are completely self-funded, Matt is currently fundraising for his share of the £25,000 it costs for the team to be able to compete in the World Tap Dancing Championships this December in Germany.  

Swindon Talent: Matt Pidgeon

Rehearsals for the Wyvern Theatre's annual pantomime began today. Keith Chegwin, who returns to Swindon's number one entertainment venue, will ensure giant laughs will be had by the entire audience from Saturday 7 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.

Samuel Parker (Jack Trot), Hollie Evans (Jill Manypence) and Andrew Whitehead (King Manypence) took time out of their busy schedule to chat about their first day of rehearsals.

Pantomime Podcast: Day One of Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the Wyvern Theatre's annual pantomime began yesterday. Keith Chegwin, who returns to Swindon's number one entertainment venue, will ensure giant laughs will be had by the entire audience from Saturday 7 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.

Musical Director Robert Rayner and Fleshcreep (Simon Wegrzyn) took time out of rehearsals to chat about the second day of rehearsals and why One Direction fans should book tickets for this giant pantomime spectacular... 

Pantomime Podcast: Day Two of Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the Wyvern Theatre's annual pantomime began on Monday. Keith Chegwin, who returns to Swindon's number one entertainment venue, will ensure giant laughs will be had by the entire audience from Saturday 7 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.

Wardrobe Mistress Julia Saunders and Dame Trot (David Ashley) took time during a costume fitting to chat about the third day of rehearsals and what extravagant outfits Jack's mother will be donning this Christmas.

Pantomime Podcast: Day Three of Rehearsals

Rehearsals for the Wyvern Theatre's annual pantomime began on Monday 25 November. Keith Chegwin, who returns to Swindon's number one entertainment venue, will ensure giant laughs will be had by the entire audience from Saturday 7 December 2013 to Sunday 5 January 2014.

After piecing together Act Two of Jack and the Beanstalk, Director Guy Unsworth took time out of the rehearsal room to reveal some of his favourite moments in the Wyvern Theatre's giant pantomime spectacular. 

Pantomime Podcast: Day Five of Rehearsals

Ahead of performing at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, Chris Ramsey spoke to Marketing & Press Officer Laura James about his 'dangerous' credentials and his brand-new show.

Fresh from a complete sell-out, twice extended 2012 tour, multiple appearances on Celebrity Juice and 8 Out of 10 Cats, and a starring role in BBC Two’s Hebburn, Chris embarks on a brand new tour for 2013/2014. Taking his brush with on air censorship as a jumping off point to muse on life, mistakes, expectation and offense, he examines what happens when you say the wrong thing in the wrong place at the wrong time.

On the phone with Chris Ramsey

On Monday 13 January, the 2014 national tour of Rachel Wagstaff’s stage play Birdsong, adapted from the novel by Sebastian Faulks, was launched at the National Army Museum. This stunning piece of live theatre will be performed at Swindon's Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July 2014.

In pre-war France, a young Englishman, Stephen Wraysford, embarks on a passionate and dangerous affair with the beautiful Isabelle Azaire that turns their worlds upside down. As the war breaks out, Stephen must lead his men through the carnage of the Battle of the Somme and through the sprawling tunnels that lie deep underground. Faced with the unprecedented horror of the war, Stephen clings to the memory of Isabelle and the idyll of his former life as his world explodes around him.

The 2013 tour was hugely successful and critically acclaimed, seen by over 75,000 people and receiving 4 and 5 star reviews, with audiences calling the show ‘simply stunning’. Sebastian Faulks is thrilled the show is being re-mounted for 2014, the year that will mark 100 years since the outbreak of the First World War.

The tour of Birdsong will continue to support Help for Heroes, after raising over £50,000 through collections and events on the 2013 tour.

Birdsong will again be directed by Alastair Whatley, with set design by Victoria Spearing, lighting by Alex Wardle for Charcoalblue and sound by Dom Bilkey.

Birdsong will be produced on tour by Alastair Whatley for The Original Theatre Company and Anne-Marie Woodley and Jon Woodley for Birdsong Productions Ltd.

Behind-the-scenes #22: Birdsong Launch with George Banks and Jonny Clarke

A new support group for people with dementia has been launched by Alzheimer’s Society at the Wyvern Theatre, Swindon. The new Memory Café provides an opportunity for people with dementia and their carers to socialise and get much needed face to face support. 

Memory Cafés provide people with dementia and carers a platform to talk openly about living with dementia within a relaxed and informal environment. The group will also hear from a variety of guest speakers, including health and social care professionals and representatives from the local community, about topics and services relevant to them.

The Swindon Memory Café at the Wyvern Theatre was launched on Thursday 13 February 2014 by Robert Buckland MP (South Swindon). The Memory Café will then be held every second Thursday of each month in the theatre café from 10.30am to 12.30pm. This is a free service. 

For more information about the Memory Café, visit http://wyverntheatre.org.uk

Behind-the-scenes #24: Memory Café, in association with Alzheimer's Society

Peter Duncan, Jonny Clarke and George Banks will be heading the cast of the 2014 national tour of Rachel Wagstaff’s stage play Birdsong, adapted from the novel by Sebastian Faulks, when it comes to the Wyvern Theatre later this year. The three cast members marched into the Town Centre to visit the cenotaph ahead of their performances in Swindon in July.

Peter Duncan, though perhaps best known as a Blue Peter presenter, began his acting career in the 1970s when he joined the National Theatre. Recent theatre credits include Denry Machin in The Card (for which he received an Olivier nomination for Best Actor in a Musical), Alan Ayckbourn‘s Things We Do For Love, the twins in Corpse, Stan Laurel in Laurel and Hardy, Macduff in Macbeth and Fantastic Mr Fox, both at the Open Air Theatre in Regent’s Park, and the title role in Charlie Peace - His Amazing Life And Outstanding Legend at Nottingham Playhouse and Coventry Belgrade's B2.  Peter will be playing the role of Jack Firebrace in Birdsong.  

Birdsong will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July. Book tickets today at http://wyverntheatre.org.uk

Behind-the-scenes #25: Peter Duncan at Swindon launch for Birdsong

The tour of Birdsong will continue to support Help for Heroes, after raising over £50,000 through collections and events on the 2013 tour. Thomas Stimpson MBE attended the Wyvern Theatre’s launch, representing this fantastic Charity which has supported him and his wife after he suffered a head injury and severe concussion during an IDF attack in 2006. 

Help for Heroes offers comprehensive support to those who have suffered life-changing injuries and illnesses whilst serving our country. This is provided through grants to individuals, other Service charities, capital build projects and our four Recovery Centres across the UK which will offer support for life. The money raised by the hugely generous public has been used to support our wounded, but there is still so much more to do. Soldiers, sailors and airmen who are injured today will still need our support tomorrow and in the days that follow, for the rest of their lives. They are still battling and we won't let them battle alone.

Birdsong will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 1 to Saturday 5 July. Book tickets today at wyverntheatre.org.uk

Behind-the-scenes #26: Thomas Stimpson MBE at Swindon launch of Birdsong

Ahead of performing at Swindon’s Wyvern Theatre, Pasha Kovalev spoke to Marketing Manager Richard Loftus about Strictly Come Dancing and his brand-new show with Katya Virshilas.

Pasha Kovalev started dancing at the age of 8. In September 2011, Pasha joined the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing as the new professional dancer of its ninth series. In his first series he was partnered with Waterloo Road actress Chelsee Healey. The two made it all the way to the finals, finishing as runners-up to Harry Judd and his partner Aliona Vilani. In 2012, Pasha was partnered with Girls Aloud star Kimberley Walsh. The pair were the series runners up. In 2013, Pasha partnered Countdown’s Rachel Riley.

An Evening with the Stars of Strictly, starring Pasha Kovalev and Katya Virshilas, will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Monday 14 – Wednesday 16 April. Book tickets today at http://swindontheatres.co.uk 

On the Phone with Pasha Kovalev

Direct from a West End season comes this first national tour of Luke Kempner’s tour-de-force impressions comedy, in an extended version featuring exclusive new material.

As celebrities start appearing at the Abbey, cultures clash and eras hilariously collide in this brilliant new parody, which takes in many other popular TV shows and familiar modern voices to help the cast of Downton save the estate from financial ruin – again!

Having made his name with YouTube hit Downstairs At Downton, and appearances in musicals including Les Mis and Avenue Q, Kempner’s debut solo show won critical acclaim and sell-out audiences at the Edinburgh Fringe last year.

Luke Kempner's The Only Way Is Downton comes to Swindon Arts Centre on Wed 23 April. Book online at swindontheatres.co.uk 

Luke Kempner performs an extract from The Only Way Is Downton

Swindon 105.5FM's Sean Hodgson recently spoke to Almost Legal Productions' Olly Ward, who plays the title character in Blackadder. The stage-adaptation of the classic TV show will be performed at Swindon Arts Centre from Friday 27 to Saturday 28 June. 

Almost Legal Productions bring a British classic from screen to stage with their adaptation of 2 classic episodes of the Ben Elton and Richard Curtis comedy Blackadder. Blackadder is a comedy set in different historical periods that features the ill-fated exploits of the mean-spirited Edmund Blackadder and his dim sidekick Baldrick.

Almost Legal Productions is a collective theatre and film production company based in Stroud, Gloucestershire.

Swindon 105.5 is a non-commercial radio service in Swindon, by Swindon, for Swindon. Licensed by OFCOM as a Not For Profit community broadcasting organisation and funded by grants, donations, corporate support, fund-raising events and support in-kind.

Swindon 105.5FM speak to Captain Edmund Blackadder

It’s time to prepare yourselves for Horrible Histories live on stage with a brand-new show Barmy Britain...featuring all-new amazing 3D effects! 

Prepare to do battle in the frightful First World War!

It’s the horrible history of Britain with the nasty bits left in!

Can you beat battling Boudicca? Has William Wallace met his match? Would you lose your heart or head to horrible Henry? Can evil Elizabeth entertain England? Will Parliament survive gunpowder Guy? Can King Charles keep his head? Would you stand and deliver to dastardly Dick Turpin?

Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain runs at the Wyvern Theatre from Tuesday 16 to Saturday 20 September. For more information visit swindontheatres.co.uk

The cast of Horrible Histories: Barmy Britain perform an extract from the show

On Thursday 4 September, the Wyvern Theatre provided an audio described performance of Agatha Christie's Black Coffee. 

Following last year’s production of Agatha Christie’s Go Back For Murder, the Agatha Christie Theatre Company return to Swindon with a brand-new drama produced by Bill Kenwright. Black Coffee is the first play ever written by Agatha Christie and in it we are introduced to Hercule Poirot - the only fictional character ever to receive a full-page obituary in the New York Times. 

Bill Kenwright said: “The Wyvern Theatre in Swindon has a very special place in my heart. It was there over four decades ago, right at the start of its life, I produced my very first major musical. ‘West Side Story’ opened at the Wyvern and went on to have a successful life ending up at the Shaftesbury Theatre in the West End. So it’s my great pleasure to congratulate them on hearing that they are offering audio description and touch tours for their visually impaired patrons. After a long gap we have started visiting the Wyvern again with our productions, and it’s innovation like this that keeps us all happy.”

Agatha Christie's Audio Described Performance Introduction - Set Description

Tommy the Cat, from this year's pantomime at the Wyvern Theatre, sends a message to Swindon.

Barnaby trained at Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. His television credits include Luther (BBC) and Miliband of Brothers (Channel 4). Film credits include A Lifelss Life (Chocolate FIlms) and Tristan in the Cowshed (Electric Shorts). Theatre credits include Damn Yankees!. His theatre credits whilst training include: Spring Awakening, The Producers, Sweeney Todd, Much Ado About Nothing, Cardiff East, Me and My Girl, Ashgirl, Half A Sixpence.

Barnaby Hughes will star as Tommy the Cat in Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Theatre from Sat 6 December - Sun 4 January. Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk

A Message from Tommy the Cat

In 2002 the Wyvern Theatre presented Dick Whittington from Friday 13 December to Saturday 11 January 2003. The production starred Doctor Who's Colin Baker as the hilarious Sarah the Cook, with Geoffrey Hayes as Idle Jack and Pollyann Tanner as Dick Whittington. 

Pollyann Tanner is a well-known director, choreographer, performer and teacher now based in Swindon, who first performed at the age of two! As a performer she has played leading roles in many West End musicals, national tours, rep theatre and more than 35 pantos, alongside many leading names including Charles Dance, Danny la Rue, Wayne Sleep, Barbara Windsor to name but a few.

She presented a popular Saturday morning show and can be seen on numerous TV commercials worldwide.

Pollyann now runs Tanwood School for Performing Arts, which was established by her mother Mollie in 1944. The school provides training in all aspects of the profession, combining all styles of dance, singing, and acting to pupils from 2 – 75 years of age for those working towards a career or purely for leisure. 

A brand-new production of Dick Whittington will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Sat 6 December - Sun 4 January, starring Nigel Havers as King Rat. Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk

Panto Archive: Pollyann remembers playing Dick Whittington

In 1973 the Wyvern Theatre presented it's first ever production of Dick Whittington. The production starred Kent Baker as the hilarious Sarah the Cook, with Gerald Moon as Idle Jack and Paddy Glynn as Dick Whittington.

Paddy has gone on to play many theatrical roles, her most recent in Camera Lucida at the Barbican. She has also made appearances in Ricky Gervais' Channel 4 sitcom Derek and the BBC's hugely popular Doctors.

On Monday 10 November 2014, Paddy met Kristian Morse who is due to take on the role of Dick Whittington at the Wyvern Theatre this December. This role will be his first professional production since graduating from Mountview Academy of Theatre Arts. 

The pair met for coffee in Archway, near the statue of Dick Whittington’s cat. The statue, which was erected in 1821, is allegedly built on the very spot where Richard Whittington heard the bells of London ring out.

A brand-new production of Dick Whittington will run at the Wyvern Theatre from Sat 6 December - Sun 4 January, starring Nigel Havers as King Rat. Book tickets today at swindontheatres.co.uk

Panto Archive: Paddy discusses playing Dick Whittington with Kris

We caught up with Matt Fox of 'Madam Renards' to discuss their Swindon-based Mini Fringe Festival.  

In conversation with Matt Fox - Madam Renards Mini-Fringe Festival

We sent the cast of 'Shaun of the Dead LIVE' a few questions and they sent us this hilarious PODCAST! Don't miss their unique LIVE SHOW on Thu 18 June: http://bit.ly/Shaun15

Shaun Of The Dead LIVE! Podcast

We checked in with the Wyvern Theatre audience on the opening night of Avenue Q! Here's what they thought of the show...

Avenue Q Opening Night

Participants in our 2015 Summer Youth Project production of Hairspray describe their experiences at Wyvern Theatre.

Hairspray Cast on the SYP15 Experience

Hear what Nigel Havers has to say about his latest play, Oscar Wilde's 'The Importance of Being Earnest'.

The Wyvern's Laura James caught up with him on opening night at Richmond Theatre. 

Nigel Havers on The Importance of Being Earnest

Gangsta Granny Solo Dancer

The Wyvern Theatre, Swindon, has 635 seats and every seat is designed to be no further than 70ft from the stage. The venue offers a mixed programme of concerts, comedy, dance, drama, musical theatre and local amateur productions.
The Wyvern Theatre has a vibrant team of 30 staff members and an additional 30 front of house members.


Wyvern Theatre

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