THE success of a historic production relating Marlborough's history as part of the town's 2004 celebrations, will depend on the support from local people.

Organiser David Sherratt, a retired teacher who lives on The Green, is chairman of the Wheels of Time, a sub committee helping to plan the promenade production that will tell the town's story.

Next year sees the 800th anniversary of the town being granted its royal charters by King John in 1204, making it one of the oldest towns in the country.

The main committee is planning a variety of events including the contentious erection of a work of art, and celebrations with a street party and the Wheels of Time presentation. It is also hoped to arrange a visit from Prince Charles.

Mr Sherratt said plans for the production are well advanced but the one major aspect beyond their control is the support from the town that will be vital to the success of the event.

The committee is hoping for a commitment from a large number of people. There will be 20 principal players and about 60 extras in the production. The action will be staged on a farm cart that will be moved along the street as the drama progresses.

Burly members of Marlborough Rugby Club have already pledged the manpower to move the heavy cart.

The Wheels of Time story will open with the granting of the royal charter at the west end of the High Street in the vicinity of the library.

As the wagon is moved along the High Street, further scenes from the town's history will unfold including Shakespeare's players arriving at the old White Hart now Duck's toyshop to perform and being driven out by the Borough Chamberlain and Parish Constable in 1598.

In the third scene close to the Merchant's House, Lord Digby claims the town for King Charles during the Civil War in 1642.

Scene four will be wealthy silk merchant Thomas Bayley, who actually lived in the Merchant's House with his family, lamenting the loss of his stock in the Great Fire of 1653 which devastated the High Street.

The fifth scene at St Mary's Church will represent a Quarter Sessions trial of 1844, and the final scene outside the town hall will bring the town up to date with Beating the Retreat by the Regimental Band of the Prince of Wales's (Lucknow) Regiment from Tidworth Barracks.

Auditions will be held in St Mary's Church on Sunday October 26 and again on Sunday November 2.

Mr Sherratt said: "The committee is hoping that sufficient aspiring and experienced actors and supporters will make the production possible." He said local organisations were being asked to support the event by joining in a massed tableau.

He said: "Anyone who wants to take part in Wheels of Time performances or assist with the technical work should first get in touch with the town council which will contact me.