Swindon has become a veritable hive of musical theatre schools in recent years, but the Kentwood Show Choir remains steadfast to the purist teachings of voice.

Run by founder and artistic director Sheila Harrod, both the show choir and the Kentwood Kids follow Sheila's strict regime to produce top quality singing. The choir has been recognised by such stars as Cleo Laine, Kentwood's patron.

Each autumn it is the turn of the younger choir to take centre stage, at the Swindon Arts Centre, in Devizes Road, Old Town.

This year the 18-strong Kentwood Juniors will be raising the roof with a new production called Bless Our Show, on Saturday, October 17 at 7.30pm.

Sheila said: "Our opening is five songs, sung purely as a choir, concentrating on pure harmonies, with an acapella version of Steal Away.''

Accompanying the choir will be the Kentwood little band with Gary Bamford, Andy Smith, Sheila herself and Tracey Absalom.

Sheila is well known for her voice coaching, and she also teaches piano. She says she enjoys playing piano alongside her junior choir in concerts, to both inspire and give them confidence.

Each member of the choir has their own solo part in the show, which includes a tribute to the Second World War.

"It is a pot pourri,'' said Sheila, "But the favourite number seems to be We Will Rock You.''

The finale sees the young choir dressed as nuns and performing a medley from The Sound of Music and Sister Act both one and two. Tickets are £12.

Both Kentwood choirs join forces for the annual Christmas Cracker, which this year is on Sunday, November 22 at the Wyvern Theatre at 4pm and 8pm.

Special guests include the Aldbourne Band, Phil Steventon a vibraphone player, and two numbers from the Open Door Charity Choir, who are marking their 30th anniversary this year. Sheila is patron of the charity. Tickets are £14.

Both concerts have tickets on sale now from 01793 524481. - Flicky Harrison