THE life of wealthy aristocrat Lady Johanna St John of Lydiard Park will be performed by talented young actors this weekend.

Swindon Youth Theatre and Sixth Sense Theatre Company have been working together over the past 18 months to put together a production entitled Johanna’s Miracle Garden, which will be performed in the open-air at Lydiard Park tomorrow, Saturday and Sunday.

About 25 people from the age of 10 to early 20s have been involved in the production, including actors, actresses, backing dancers and musicians. The show will tell the magical story of Lady Johanna St John as she put together her ‘booke’ of cures.

Sophie Cummings, collections manager at the museum who is overseeing the project, said: “Work on the production started about 18 months ago but we have been working on the performance itself for about six months. We recruited a writer and it is an entirely original play written about the lovely Lady Johanna, it is a real labour of love.

“The group has been rehearsing for weeks but this is the first time it has actually rehearsed in the garden and they have really been getting in to character, they love the environment.

“The sets are looking great, they are very much like a traditional country garden with lots of hay bales to sit on, bunting and beautifully embroidered flags.

“We are absolutely committed to going ahead even if it rains, but we have fortunately been forecast fairly good weather.”

Tickets for the show are £7 for adults, £4 for juniors and £18 for families which includes two adults and two children. Call the box office on 01793 614837 or visit www.wegot tickets.com/swindonartscentre.