AN ACTOR who was part of Wiltshire Creative’s youth theatre is taking a leading role in its new production of Lorca’s Blood Wedding.

Reece Evans plays Rob, who was a member of Stage 65 Youth Theatre, recently graduated from the Guildford School of Acting last year.

He stars as the young groom in Blood Wedding, which has been adapted from the original by Barney Norris who also acted in the Stage 65 Youth Theatre.

Reece said: “Returning to the Salisbury Playhouse stage as a professional, rather than a youth theatre member, is a dream come true. It’s a joy to be home for the start of my acting career and I’m excited to perform in the space that inspired me.”

The Wiltshire Creative co-production with Up In Arms is directed by another Stage 65 graduate, Alice Hamilton.

Alice and Barney met and became friends while members of Stage 65 and together founded Up In Arms theatre company.

Wiltshire Creative associate director Dave Orme said: “It’s great to see former youth theatre members take to our stage as professional actors. Reece has achieved a lot since graduating and we are proud that some of his first experiences of acting happen here at Salisbury Playhouse. It is great that we are able to invest in performers both before and after training.”

Barney Norris’ retelling of Lorca’s classic tragedy sets the action firmly in a modern day Wiltshire community that is rocked by revelations and gossip.

His previous plays include Echo’s End and The Remains of the Day at Salisbury Playhouse.

The play focuses on Rob and his fiancée Georgie who are checking out a village hall for their wedding reception, but Rob’s mum wonders if they’re rushing into things. Just as they begin to talk her round, a figure from Georgie’s past appears and threatens to shatter their plans. Very soon, Georgie is questioning who really is the love of her life.

It starts its run from today (February 6). For tickets go to wiltshirecreative.co.uk or 01722 320333.