AN amateur actor from Bewdley is looking forward to rousing romance, revenge and laughter in a prestigious Worcester theatre - after answering a company's desperate calls for a star.

Bewdley baritone Jonathan Darby, 37, saved the day when he auditioned for the role of Fred/Petruchio in Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's production of Kiss Me Kate at Malvern Festival Theatre.

Previous attempts to fill the part from within the society had failed and leading lady Wendy Holloway said she was "totally relieved" when Jonathan came forward to play her on-stage ex-husband.

The Heathfield School teacher from Steatite Way, Stourport, said Kiss Me Kate was a fascinating "play within a play" following a group of actors' performance of Cole Porter's version of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew.

The actress, who played the lead role of Svetlana in WODS' spring production of Chess, added she could not wait for performances to start on Tuesday.

"I was really, really excited when I found out I'd got the part because it's a brilliant role for a woman to play," she said.

"I get to sing some really nice songs and also scream and shout and use up all my anger - it's a classic role where you get to be extremely emotional."

Jonathan echoed his co-star's sentiments, describing his character as "one of the best there is".

The former Harry Cheshire student, who works for a cool bag manufacturer in Bewdley, said he was asked to audition for his part by one of WODS' members who had seen him perform with Stourport Choral and Operatic Society.

"They hadn't been able to cast it within the society so they put an ad in the paper and tried to find someone to play it," he said.

"Then they offered me an audition. It went very well and they offered me the part - and I've been rehearsing since the end of July."

The actor/singer added he was thrilled to be playing such a diverse character.

"There's some Shakespeare in with all the backstage story and it's also very funny.

"There are gangsters after my character for an unpaid IOU and the leading lady is my ex-wife.

"There's also a very witty dialogue."

Jonathan last featured in the Shuttle/Times & News in August when he starred in Hedda Gabler at Birmingham's Midland Art Centre and recorded the film Briefcase with his partner Claire Warboys.

His next move is to audition for Stourport Choral and Operatic Society's spring production of Hello Dolly which is being directed by Claire.

More information and tickets for Kiss Me Kate can be obtained by calling 01684 892277.