PERFORMERS are still being sought for next year s performance by the newly named Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company (SWMTC). The company, which changed its name from the Saffron Walden Amateur Operatic Society earlier this year, is particularly intere

PERFORMERS are still being sought for next year's performance by the newly named Saffron Walden Musical Theatre Company (SWMTC).

The company, which changed its name from the Saffron Walden Amateur Operatic Society earlier this year, is particularly interested in attracting young men.

Next year's show will be 42nd Street, based on Bradford Ropes' novel that tells the story of a director's efforts to put on a musical stage production during the height of the Great Depression.

SWMTC has secured the services of experienced musical director Keith Oliver to help produce the play, an appointment that John Wigmore, chairman of the company, is very excited about.

"We're very pleased to have him involved," he said, "it's great for us that we've been able to find a new musical director, especially one that's so experienced."

Mr Oliver's résumé boasts more than 30 years' involvement in the theatrical arts. He has worked on musicals including My Fair Lady, Guys and Dolls, and Oklahoma at Saffron Walden Town Hall.

Mr Oliver's pedigree is demonstrated by his double nomination for Best Musical Director, in 2001 and 2002 at the international Buxton Gilbert and Sullivan Festival in 2001 and 2002.

Producing the show will be Martyn Harrison who has had huge successes with HMS Pinafore, Mack and Mabel and last year's Sweet Charity.

Choreographing the show will be Toni Grantham, who took the lead role in the Festival Players' triumph Witches of Eastwick.

42nd Street will be performed in Saffron Walden Town Hall from Tuesday March 11 to Saturday March 15 next year.

Rehearsals will be held in the Baptist Church on Audley Road from Wednesday (September 12), from 8pm to 10.15pm. For details e-mail secretary@swmusical

theatre.co.uk