HOW many theatre companies tell you that sturdy shoes and suncream are a must for its performances?

And that’s for the cast. Yes, Benchmark Theatre is back this summer with another outdoor production based on a classic story.

Last year, this exciting young company went for the great outdoors in a big way, staging a theatrical production of George Orwell’s novel Animal Farm where else but out on a farm near Castle Hill.

Now they are back with plans for another summer show and the choice of Kenneth Grahame’s much loved story The Wind In The Willows is guaranteed to make this another Benchmark success.

The search is already on for a company of young actors to work with professionals from Benchmark on this year’s production.

“We are currently looking for talented young people between the age of 9 -18 to work with the theatre company and play all of the characters including main roles in this production,” said Paul Danby, joint artistic director of Benchmark.

“The project itself is a very demanding and extremely rewarding experience. The cast and crew have only eight days to produce this two-hour fun packed show and yes, like Animal Farm, it will be an outdoor production.

“As the cast of Animal Farm will tell you, sun cream and sturdy shoes are a must for this brilliant adventure. At the end of the eight days the company then perform two outdoor evening shows and one matinee to the public.

“There are no auditions to do in order to take part in this project, all we ask is that each applicant has had some previous experience of performance and a great love of theatre. There are only 25 characters in the show so unfortunately the spaces are limited.”

For those youngsters more interested in the technical side of theatre productions, Benchmark is also offering a chance to work alongside their technicians.

If you are interested, call the Benchmark office for more details on 01484 426 494. The project runs from 10am to 5pm from July 23 until August 2 except on performance days which go on until the evening.

And for those who would like an earlier taste of Benchmark’s work, head for the Parish pub in Huddersfield town centre on June 8 to see the company stage Jim Cartwright’s play called simply, Two.

The performance is on a Sunday night at 9pm and you can buy a ticket for £3 from the bar. It’s a taste of pub theatre and an indication of the professional skills that Benchmark has to offer.