Hundreds of budding actors took to the stage and turned two weeks of hard work into a weekend of spectacular live shows.

Almost 200 talented performers aged from nine to 21 took part in the Wycombe Swan Theatre’s two-week summer youth project, Singin’ in the Rain.

One of the world’s best-loved musicals, Singin’ in the Rain tells the story of the first Hollywood musical, Monumental Pictures’ and their silent-film romantic couple Don Lockwood and Lina Lamont.

A fortnight of full-on singing, dancing and acting rehearsals alongside a professional creative team culminated in three days of live shows in front of delighted theatre audiences. 

Naphill teenager, Jonah Halton, took on the challenging main role of popular silent film star Don Lockwood.

He said: "It was an impeccable performance opportunity for young people, giving me the chance to work with experienced professionals in a full working, professional theatre. Also the fact that this is all done in two weeks is breathtaking."

Bucks Free Press:

This year marked the first time keen dancer Akosua Lydia Bonsu, from High Wycombe, took part in the project.

She said: “For my first year of project, I could not have asked to have spent two weeks with a more incredibly kind and talented bunch of people. This has hands down been my best summer and I'm looking forward for next year already.”

Bethany Hines from Hazelmere, who was a featured dancer as well as playing Mrs Simpson, said: “It is wonderful to spend two fun-filled weeks with such a talented and friendly cast.”

Proud parent, Deborah Fielding, said: "To pull such a fantastic production together in such a short space of time is astonishing. The talent is awesome. The confidence it builds is thrilling. The friendships the children make is priceless.

"Singin’ in the Rain was fabulous and to see the progress the lead characters made this year was very special. My daughter is counting the days until the next auditions.”

Theatre Director, Simon Stallworthy, said he was ‘absolutely delighted’ at the finished production.

He said: “I am absolutely delighted with the hard work and talent that local young people have put into this year’s Summer Youth Project.

“To see 186 young people grow, create and work together within our company has been outstanding.”

The next Youth Theatre production is INTO THE WOODS. Auditions are November 15 and the show runs in the 2016 February half term. Audition packs will be available online wycombeswan.co.uk soon.