WHEN Jeremy Field steps out on to the stage for Claines Amateur Theatre Society's annual pantomime he is going to be unrecognisable.

Gone is his beloved beard he has carefully cultivated and in its place comes a face full of make up, towering wigs and a decidedly bombastic bosom - fake of course.

The production of King Arthur will be the 14th year the graphic designer has been cast as the dame with CATS.

He said: "In a small theatre group it is not easy to get someone to make a complete fool of themselves, so it keeps falling to me.

“Although I’m not the hairiest man you will ever meet, I was literally getting attached to having facial hair, but with the panto looming, I knew it would eventually need to go.

"A quick trip down to see my friend Sam Davidson at Goodlife Barbershop in the Cornmarket, sorted it, and now I’m back to my clean-shaven self.”

With the beard expertly removed, it was now down to Jeremy to shimmy into the petticoats, undergarments and hosiery, big dresses, big wigs, handbags and make-up as he transforms himself into Dame Dolly.

CATS medieval romp will be coming to Bishop Perowne College, Merriman's Hill Road, Worcester, opening on Thursday, February 19 until Saturday, February 21.

The production promises fun, adventure and comedy and tells the tale of Camelot, a peaceful and happy place under good King Arthur's rule - until one day when Morgana The Merciless returns to try and usurp the throne by stealing the magic sword Excalibur.

She instructs her idiotic henchmen Num and Skull to kidnap Lady Guinevere.

Throw in Merlin a hopeless magician and Dame Dolly perusing the reluctant object of her desire - Roger the Jester - and you’re set for a rollicking good time.

Every panto needs a great dame and CATS has managed to attract one of the best.

Jeremy said: “I think with most small amateur theatre groups, men are difficult to attract, and CATS were no different.

"I had never had any involvement with the theatre until my wife bullied me into stepping in as the Sultan in a CATS panto production back in 1999.

"It was great fun, but a very scary experience.

"And then by 2002, without anyone to play the dame, I was asked to give that a go.

"It took me a few years to get used to learning huge chunks of script but now it’s a great role to play.

"How many roles can you play where you have complete control of the dialogue and you are enthusiastically encouraged to adlib and interact with the audience?"

Struggling with the dame's attire has given Jeremy a level of sympathy with women and he is more tolerant when wife Debbie or daughters Poppy and Ruby take a little longer to get ready to go out than he expects.

He said: “There are occasions when I am going on to the stage still doing my costume up because of the clothes I have to contend with.”

Jeremy, aged 52, uses an exaggerated Worcester accent and lots of facial expressions for his dame.

He is also able to ad lib at the drop of a hat, which goes down well with audiences.

He said: “It's wonderful to be part of a group that are able to make people laugh.

"We had been performing at Claines village hall for 17 years, but circumstances meant we needed to find an alternative venue, and we are hoping Bishops will offer a better theatre experience to our loyal audiences.”

For the first time there will be a Saturday matinee.

Tickets can be booked through Abbi Jakeman on 01905 27230 or jeremy@poppyfield-design.co.uk