Swindon’s young performers are being invited to get their teeth into a theatrical classic this summer as Swindon Theatres announce Little Shop of Horrors as their 2026 Summer Youth Project.
The much-loved musical will take over the Wyvern Theatre later this year, continuing a tradition that has run for more than three decades and helped launch countless creative careers. Applications are now open, with auditions scheduled to take place on Sunday 26 April 2026 at the Wyvern.
Set against the rundown backdrop of Skid Row, Little Shop of Horrors tells the story of Seymour, an unassuming florist whose life takes a dramatic turn when he discovers a mysterious plant with a rather dangerous appetite. What follows is a darkly comic tale of ambition, love and consequences, driven by a punchy rock-and-roll score.
Written by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the show features some of musical theatre’s most recognisable numbers, including Skid Row (Downtown), Suddenly, Seymour, Dentist! and the unforgettable title song. Equal parts funny and outrageous, the production promises to be a bold choice for this year’s youth company.
The Summer Youth Project has been a fixture of Swindon’s cultural calendar since it began in 1994 with Bugsy Malone, making it one of the area’s earliest large-scale community theatre initiatives. Each year, up to 200 young people aged between nine and 21 come together to create a full-scale musical in a professional theatre setting.
Over the course of two intensive weeks, participants rehearse and perform under the guidance of an experienced creative team, including a professional director, choreographer, musical director, musicians and technical staff. The project culminates in five public performances at the Wyvern Theatre.
Oli Webb, Creative Learning Manager at Swindon Theatres, said the project’s longevity speaks to its impact. He described it as a privilege to be part of something with such a strong history and sense of community, adding that the commitment shown by Swindon’s young people consistently challenges negative perceptions of the town.
He said the work ethic displayed by participants — from primary school age through to university students — is remarkable, resulting in productions that reach a professional standard in a very short space of time.
This year’s Summer Youth Project is sponsored by Coatstone Surfacing Ltd, a family-run business specialising in asphalt and resin surfacing, continuing the tradition of local support behind the scheme.
Anyone interested in taking part can find further details and application information via the Wyvern Theatre website.
