JONATHAN Darby is a ''natural'' as they say in showbiz circles, not one to suffer stage fright.

But the well-known Wyre Forest amateur singer, band musician and actor admits feeling ''scary''about his latest commitment.

In what promises to be a highlight in his thespian career so far, 33-year-old Jonathan has been netted by stage director Keith Williams of Areley Kings for a one-man play.

Rehearsals which he anticipates will be gruelling start in September for Jesus, My Boy by John Dowie. It was well received in the West End with Tom Conti as Joseph recounting the life of Jesus.

''It's rare you get a chance like this. It is beautifully written and I am looking forward to working on it.'' he says.

The invitation followed being ''roped in'' for a remembrance day church production by Mr Williams last year.

Jonathan, 33, was brought up at Franche and went to Harry Cheshire School without much thought of the stage while at school despite his talents as a singer and band bass player.

His late father Don was well-known in Stourport Choral and Society circles, however, and he thinks acting and music skills, also shared by two elder sisters, are in the family genes.

After school he went straight into his uncle's packaging business in Bewdley (where he still works). He also went straight onto the society's stage where his fine baritone voice and other talents soon made him a star.

He developed a hankering to become professional.''It would be nice to earn a living from something you do for enjoyment.''But the chance to go to Birmingham School of Speech and Drama foundered because he was not in the right county to get a grant.

Undaunted, Jonathan hopes for a break from a professional stage audition. He goes mostly for singing roles ''because the actors' queues are too long.''

He was hugely encouraged by being several times called back for the part of Javert in the West End hit musical Les Miserables.

In Wyre Forest one of his ''finest hours'' so far is his recent part as Professor Higgins in Stourport's My Fair Lady.

Close to his heart is the fame and fortunes of the group he helped to found, Wyre Forest Acting for Charity Theatre.

Over eight years, its big cast productions have won a stream of county awards and raised £15,000 for charity.

The professional stage may beckon, but there are compensations in addition to those of amateur theatre.

Jonathan loves his garret in the heart of Bewdley and the surrounding countryside. The short walk to work across Jubilee Gardens is ''my idea of commuting.''