Grand show for Beauty and the Beast

The magic of enchanting musical Beauty and the Beast is set to cast a Disney-like spell over the Black Country with curtain-up on a colourful stage show.

Talented members of an amateur dramatics society will tonight kick off their production of the popular show at Wolverhampton's Grand Theatre.

With more than 6,000 tickets already sold for the five-day, seven-show extravaganza, the performance by West Bromwich Operatic Society promises to be a monster success.

Kim Lavender, the 27-year-old psychiatric nurse who will be playing Belle, the beauty of the title, said: "Six thousand tickets sold. I'm nervous enough already. I always try not to think about how many people will actually be watching – but really, that's great.

"We've all worked really hard to make this show a success and we're hoping it could be one of the best ones we've done for years."

In actual fact Kim has less reason to be nervous than some would.

The former Leasowes Business and Enterprise College pupil of Halesowen has amateur show business in her blood.

Not only has she been with the WBOS for the past five years and starred in plays from the age of eight – including taking major roles in Showboat, Rent and Jesus Christ Superstar – she also comes from something of an amateur acting dynasty.

Both her grandparents and her parents met in am-dram groups.

She said: "I'm braking the mould a bit, because my boyfriend can hardly even be persuaded to come and see me star in the plays."

Instead her on stage partner – the Beast – will be played by 27-year-old sales manager, John Wetherall, of Great Barr.

Walking on to stage in full costume, he said: "It's mainly make up. Everyone at work knows I do this but it's not really an issue. This is my hobby and it's a great release from everyday life.

"Some people say I don't know how you find the energy after a full day in the office but if anything it gives you the energy, it keeps you motivated."

Mr Wetherall has been starring in such shows for 15 years now, almost as long as Nick Sullivan who plays Cogsworth.

The East Park Infant School head teacher, of Wightwick, Wolverhampton, has been an am-dram star since from the same age as his pupils.

He said: "I love every minute of it. It just gives you such tremendous escape."

"All my students will be coming to watch the matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. They can't wait and, to be honest, neither can I."

Beauty and the Beast runs from tonight until Saturday. Evening shows start at 7.15pm. Matinees on Wednesday and Saturday start at 2pm.

A Tickets, which range from £8.50 to £20.50, are available by calling 01902 429212.

By Colin Drury