Bilston Operatic Company Sets HAIRSPRAY Cast

Bilston Operatic Company returns to Wolverhampton Grand Theatre from 10 - 14 November with the feel-good Broadway and West End musical HAIRSPRAY.

Set in Baltimore in 1962 where the fifties are out and change is in the air, the show is about removing prejudices and standing up for what you believe in. Teenager Tracy Turnblad uses her new-found fame to fight for equality on a popular TV show.

Bilston Operatic Company are currently looking for final new members to complete their cast.

The roles of Seaweed J. Stubbs and Little Inez are yet to be assigned. The company are also looking for a male ensemble of Seaweed's friends. For these remaining roles, the company are seeking black/minority ethnic performers for the production.

Character descriptions for auditionees are as follows:

Seaweed J. Stubbs | Motormouth Maybelle's son and a talented dancer on The Corny Collins Show, but only allowed to dance on one show per month. Sings Tenor.

Little Inez | Seaweed's little sister and just as talented a dancer. Tries to audition for The Corny Collins Show but is turned away because she is black.

Bilston Operatic Company consider that this advertisement is covered (to the extent that this is necessary) by the "Occupational Requirement" exemption at Schedule 9 Paragraph 1(1) of the Equality Act 2010.

Rebecca Lutter will play Tracy Turnblad and is joined by Adam Starr as her mother, Edna. Phil Jackson completes the Turnblad family as Wilbur. Francesca Holt plays Penny Pingleton, Jack Cottis will play heartthrob Link Larkin. Alicia Barnes is Amber Von Tussle and Niamh Allen is Velma Von Tussle. Adam Lacey will play Corny Collins and Alanna Boden is Motormouth Maybelle.

The rest of the cast features energetic local performers in ensemble roles. Laura Canadine returns as Producer/Choreographer and Musical Direction is by Ian Stephenson.

Bilston Operatic Company, established in 1927, performed annually at The Theatre Royal in Bilston for 30 years before moving to the Grand Theatre where they have performed ever since. Productions in recent years have included Peter Pan (2014), Annie (2013), Hello Dolly (2012) and A Christmas Carol (2011). The society also has a youth company who recently performed Little Shop of Horrors at Dormston Theatre.

Those wishing to audition for parts in HAIRSPRAY at the Grand Theatre should contact Sarah via the contact form on the website here (bilston-operatic.co.uk) or call company chairman Brenda Arnold on 01902 428395. Auditions will be held before rehearsals which take place every Monday at Springvale Social Club, Millfields Road, Bilston WV14 0QR from 7pm.