A CHILD'S imagination is a powerful tool, which is shown none more so than in the classic adventure novel by Arthur Ransome, Swallows and Amazons. The story was adapted for the stage by a dream team of creative geniuses and is coming to Wycombe this month. Richard Holt, who plays John Walker, said adults love the show as much as children as it rekindles that flair of imagination.

Swallows and Amazons is set in the 1920s when four children, free from the watchful eye of their parents, spend the last week of their holidays camping on an island.

The novel was transformed into a musical play by director Tom Morris, who is co-director of the West End smash hit, War Horse; Helen Edmundson, writer of the National Theatre's Coram Boy, and Divine Comedy's Neil Hannon wrote the music.

It was made by The Children's Touring Partnership in association with the National Theatre for the Bristol Old Vic.

These are all big names in the theatre so you can imagine the pressure upon young actor Richard Holt, who is playing John Walker.

He said: "You put a lot of pressure on yourself to get it right. It is hard to step back and just enjoy it. This has been by far the most challenging and most rewarding role."

But he said it is a great opportunity for all the young cast who are currently touring with the production.

Holt graduated from ARLA in July 2008 after a one year acting course and before that studied Biological Science at Bristol University, gaining a 2.1.

It was at university where he was introduced to the music of Divine Comedy. Neil Hannon has composed the music for the show.

He said: "Neil comes in every now and then to check on things. You can definitely hear the Divine Comedy sound on it. None of it is any of the Divine Comedy original stuff.

"I had a housemate at uni who was a big fan and would often hear them coming from his room."

This is Holt's biggest role since graduating and he said every one is putting in the extra hours to make it work.

He said: "There is a lot of feeling that we are all in it together. There is a certain level of commitment. People staying on in lunchtime to do extra."

But it is being part of something which reignites children's imaginations in the younger audience and in the adults, which makes it so special.

He said: "Everyone says it is really fun to watch. Adults seems to jump on board.

"It is nice to be part of that. We spent a lot of time in rehearsals talking about it. That is what we wanted."

The actor, who hails from Oxford and now lives in London, said he would love do some Shakespeare and play Romeo before the role leaves his casting bracket completely.

He added: "It is tough. I don't think you can predict what is going to come up when you are in the acting side of it. The actor has the right to say no to the next thing but if there is nothing else it can seem a long way off."

But for now he is lighting up the stage as Captain John and his able crew.

He said: "It is definitely a show for the whole family and one that you will realise as you grow up you think you know lots of things but you realise what you have lost in the imagination you had as a kid. If you want to have a chance to rekindle that and enjoy it then come and see the show."

Swallows and Amazons is at the Wycombe Swan from February 21-25 at 7pm with matinees on Wednesday, Thursday and Saturday at 2.30pm. Tickets range from £13- £18. Call 01494512000 or go to www.wycombeswan.co.uk to book.