WHEN 13 year-old Isiah Martin was given the role of the snake preacher in next month's performance of WODYS Whistle Down The Wind little did the auditioning panel realise they had the perfect boy for the part - for he has a pet snake called Elvis at home.

Isiah, a pupil at Blessed Edward Oldcorne Catholic College, was thrilled to get the part of snake preacher in WODYS - Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society Youth Section show, on at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday to Saturday, August 1 to 5.

He joined the youth musical theatre group two years ago  and went for the role as he liked the song, Wrestle With The Devil, that he has to sing.

Elvis, a seven year-old white and orange corn snake, with red eyes and about 5ft long, is actually the pet of Isiah's elder brother, Noah. But the family has had the snake from a very early age and everyone is used to having the reptile around.

Isiah said: "Corn snakes, like Elvis, are among the most harmless animals around. They are docile and not venomous."

But will having reptile action at home help Isiah in his part?

He said:"Probably, at least I am not frightened by them and understand how they move around. But, of course, we won't be having a real live snake in the show, most likely a realistic imitation one with its head poking out of a bag.

"The idea is that in the days which the musical relates to many people in Louisiana believed if you went up to a snake  and held out your arm and it didn't bite you, you would go to Heaven when you died. If it did bite you, you were bad and would immediately die.

"I'm really looking forward to Whistle Down The Wind. It's a great show with great music all about a group of children who discover an escaped prisoner in a barn, whom they take to be Jesus and vow to protect.

"It's one of Andrew Lloyd Webber's best shows, a gripping drama with wonderful songs. Everyone should come and see it."

WODYS cast of 57 eight to 18 year-olds are presenting Whistle Down The Wind at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday to Saturday, August 1 to 5.

Tickets are available at the Worcester Live box office in CrownGate or on 01905 611427. Book quickly because WODYS shows usually sell out.