ASPIRING stars who have been given a taste of professional theatre by a West End star are gearing up for their big performance.

For the past 10 weeks, 25 eight to 17 year olds have been rehearsing every Sunday for Performance 2003.

Performance is an annual project by director and choreographer Richard Swerrun.

"I don't treat them like children, I treat them like professionals so they can experience what real theatre is like," said Mr Swerrun.

"They work with a professional crew, professional lighting and a professional music director - Bruce O'Neil who works with the RSC."

In previous years Performance has been staged at Malvern Theatres, but this will be the first year it will be held at the Swan - the new home of Mr Swerrun's production company Merlin.

"The first half is entirely from my own head and the second half contains well-known musical numbers," said the director.

Although the show has been in the making for 10 weeks, the cast has only had three hours a week rehearsal.

But time is not a problem for Mr Swerrun, who recently stepped in at the last minute to replace Darren Day in a West End production of Joseph and his Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.

Following Performance, Mr Swerrun will turn his attention to panto with rehearsals beginning for Dick Whittington at the Swan beginning on Monday.

Performance 2003 begins at 7.30pm on Sunday, November 23 at the Swan Theatre. Tickets are £8.50, children £7.50, from Huntingdon Arts box office on 01905 611427.