IMAGINE Theatre in Cirencester are fast approaching their fourth birthday, and are celebrating with their biggest production to date, The Beaux' Stratagem, which will be performed at The Griffin Theatre, Rendcomb on April 27 and at the Sundial Theatre, Cirencester on April 28.

Students at Imagine have been sword-fighting their way through rehearsals for George Farquhar's 1706 Restoration Comedy, which is considered one of the genre's finest.

Although this comedy of manners is over 300 years old, it remains as lively and engaging as ever, as director Emily Thomson explained: "We've worked to capture the unruly, chaotic energy of post Puritan Britain - there's live folk music, dancing, drinking, and of course a fight or two.

"We've also decided to present the show with quite a sparse set, so the actors have the room to be as outrageous as possible and so that we can play with some more modern theatre techniques. It is one of our most ambitious projects yet, and it wouldn't be Imagine if we didn't do something a little different with it."

This production marks four years of success for the school, which works with students on a system of professional technique and industry mentoring, with many of their earlier students now working successfully in the industry. According to Artistic Director, James Rushbrooke, this trend is only set to increase.

He said: "We’ve seen eight of our students get into the National Youth Theatre since we opened our doors back in 2014 and we’re hoping for a few more to join them this year. We pride ourselves on providing career development and this year we saw one of our alumni members take his first steps on Albert Square."

Imagine alumni Alex Britt played Chess champion ‘Wesley’ in an Eastenders storyline at the end of March and is hoping to be invited back soon for a second episode in the near future.

When asked about his training and time with Imagine, Alex said: “The training at Imagine allowed me to trust my instincts and work quickly alongside people who are used to working at that kind of level and speed.

"Acting is very much a business and Imagine helped me with my first ever business plan. Without the help from James and Emily I wouldn’t have moved to London, wouldn’t have had a supportive network of creatives to learn from after training finished. Two years after this business plan I’m getting regular work as a professional actor, I’ve managed to get my first TV credit - the first of many I hope.

“Eastenders was an incredible experience - from being on set and watching other actors work to getting the chance to get paid to do something that I’ve always loved knowing that around five million people watch every episode. It was an incredibly fast-paced environment."

  • Imagine Theatre will be performing The Beaux' Stratagem at The Griffin Theatre, Rendcomb on April 27 and at the Sundial Theatre, Cirencester on April 28. Both performances at 7.30pm.
  • Tickets £12 (£8 concessions). To book your tickets visit imagine-theatre.co.uk/tickets