13355/1THE first event of Marlborough's 800th anniversary celebrations was absolutely magic and the verdict of almost 1,000 children must be right.

The town's celebrations for the anniversary of the granting of its royal charter in 1204 kicked off on Thursday with a children's show in the town hall.

Each of the three primary schools within the town boundary, St Mary's Infants, Preshute and St Peter's Juniors, had their own show from magic and comedy duo Razamatazz.

Swindon pair Andy and Sue Hobbs varied each of the three 60-minute shows, which were sponsored by the Gazette and Herald, and the children were laughing and clapping throughout.

Meanwhile, the town play, The Wheels of Time, has been gaining momentum and after months of planning it is ready to roll tonight and tomorrow.

It has been written by retired schoolmaster David Sherratt who is not only producing and directing the six-act play, but also appearing in it.

Mr Sherratt plays two parts, the Sheriff of Wiltshire and also the justice in the reconstruction of a period trial.

The cast of about 100 come from all walks of life and all ages.

Wheels of Time is a strolling play where all those taking part move along the street with some of the action taking place on a moving farm trailer.

Mr Sherratt said: "It will take the form of a medieval mystery play on a cart which moves to three places in the High Street."

The history of the town unfolds in the first four scenes starting with the Sheriff of Wiltshire arriving with King John's 1204 charter that he has brought from Winchester. King John, explained Mr Sherratt, was fond of Marlborough because he could stay in comfort at its castle while hunting in Savernake Forest.

When Prince Charles arrives at the town hall tomorrow, Mr Sherratt will read to him an abbreviated version transcribed from the original charter that was written in latin.

The final scenes will take place in the High Street where tonight the Lucknow Band of the Prince of Wales Division will beat retreat.

Tomorrow night beat retreat will be carried out by the band of the Royal Marines whose visit has been organised with the help of Lt Commander Steve Head from HMS Marlborough.

Sponsors include the trustees of the former entertainment group, the Marlborough Amateur Dramatic and Operatic Society, who have given £2,000 towards production costs.

Also joining the celebrations is Marlborough Bowls Club. On Sunday, it will mark the 800th anniversary of Marlborough's charter and its own 70th birthday by taking on the cream of south west players.

In what is regarded as the club's most prestigious match ever it will be taking on the elite from Cornwall, Devon, Somerset, Dorset and Wiltshire.

Marlborough club member Hugh Deacon is the president of the South Western Counties Bowling Association for 2004. He will be bringing his team of the Best in the West to Marlborough to play a special match on Sunday starting at 2pm, to celebrate the two anniversaries.

Prince Charles arrives in town at 11.30am on Friday and other highlights include a civil war re-enactment at 6pm on Saturday and 3pm on Sunday.