By Pamela McGowan

Last updated at 12:56, Tuesday, 09 February 2010

A west Cumbrian theatre group is looking for a black man who is willing to sing and strip for them.

‘What in the name of political correctness?’ you might ask. But there’s a good reason!

The Whitehaven Theatre Group has spent months rehearsing for its upcoming production of The Full Monty, which is now just 12 weeks away. Things were going really well – until the recent cold spell hit.

One of their main stars, Charles Trevelen from Maryport, had a nasty fall on the ice and snow and cracked something in his back. A trip to casualty left him in a brace and put an end to his singing and dancing days – at least for the next few months.

He was devastated to have to pull out and leave the rest of the cast in the lurch, but there was no other option.

With the production due to take to the stage of Whitehaven Civic Hall on April 20, director Carol Corless is now on a desperate hunt to find a last-minute replacement.

To make matters worse, the role has to be filled by a black man – as a large part of the script makes reference to his colour. On top of that the well-loved comedy – the film version of which was one of 1997’s biggest blockbusters – tells the story of a group of working class men who get together to form a male strip act.

This means all of the leading men must have the confidence to strip off on stage.

Carol knows it is not an easy ask, but the show can’t go on without one of her main characters. The part of Horse – played by Paul Barber in the 1997 hit movie – is now up for grabs and she is begging anyone who fits the criteria to get in touch immediately.

“I know it’s a lot to ask but we’ve only got about 12 weeks and we really need to get this sorted out,” she said.

“We can’t substitute the character with a white guy because so much of the script that refers to his race. It would be impossible to change it all, especially this late on.”

Although the show has 22 songs in it, she reassured any potential applicants that they don’t need to be the greatest singers as the tunes are more rocky than classical.

As Carol is also choreographing the show, she is willing to give up her free time for extra rehearsals to ensure the new cast member can catch up with the others.

“I’ll do whatever it takes and can fit the rehearsal times around them. I just want a cast to work with!” she said.

Anyone who thinks they might fit the bill can call Carol on 07912 866464. The Full Monty starts on Tuesday, April 20 and will run for a week.

First published at 11:24, Tuesday, 09 February 2010
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk