Josh Forrest is putting the technical knowledge he has learned at school to the test in the Guild Players’ latest production.

The 18-year-old Castle Community College sixth-former is the sound technician for Murder Weapon, the Players’ latest show, starting on Wednesday.

“I discovered them through a friend who was an actress for the last production, Ghost Writer,” said Josh of St Richard’s Road, Deal.

“From then on we’ve been working together. This is the second show I have done with them.”

Although he hasn’t ever taken to the stage for the Players, the year 13 student still hasn’t ruled it out and could be persuaded to be an extra at some time in the future.

But his love of performing is mostly contained to a different arena - the musical stage.

Josh is happiest behind the bass guitar or microphone.

“I’ve played in multiple bands for the past three years,” he said, having started learning music four years ago.”

“What audiences will love is working out who did it” - Josh Forrest

He is now in a four-piece band called Hiway, a classic rock and blues group made up of three lads and a girl.

The band members have performed in various pubs in the area, including the Walmer Castle, Drum Major, the Telegraph pub and the Clarendon.

“I’ve been given a conditional offer from the British Institute of Modern Music at Brighton when I finish school and I would like to go into music.”

Although he loves learning about what happens behind the scenes in the theatre, he doesn’t see that as his calling.

His future career hopes are focused entirely towards music - but the stage management and sound engineering experience he has can only help improve his band’s performances in the meantime.

Those who book their seats to watch Murder Weapon may not see Josh, but through the sound effects they can definitely hear his work to appreciate it.

“What audiences will love is working out who did it,” he said.

blob The curtain lifts on Murder Weapon on Wednesday night (April 2) for four nights at 7.30pm. Tickets will be £8.50 on the door or £7.30 in advance by calling 0800 411 8881 (24 hours).