MEMBERS of a Worcester theatre company are set to bare all on stage after finding a Horse to fill a spare role.

Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society (WODS) wasn’t searching for the four-legged variety but a man to play the part of Horse – the only black man among the out-of-work steelworkers in its production of The Full Monty. After last year’s success with the play, WODS decided to stage it again, but became stuck when the actor who played Horse last year was unable to do so again.

So, after an appeal in your Worcester News, city man Winston Shillingford stepped up to the limelight to take up the challenge after his friends saw the article. Mr Shillingford, a personal trainer, said: “As soon as they showed me the paper I rang up straight away.” The 45-year-old, from Sidbury, added: “I am terrified about it but have been interested in dance and drama since I was a youngster and when this opportunity came up I didn’t want to let it slip away.”

Ian Crohill, WODS business manager, said: “We are really pleased that Winston responded to the article in the Worcester News. He is a great guy, overflowing with enthusiasm and the team is now complete. Following a period of what will be intensive but fun rehearsals we are confident that The Full Monty, The Second Exposure will once again wow Worcester audiences.”

The musical is set in Buffalo, New York, rather than Sheffield, but includes a raft of original songs. The six jobless men have no prospects, but set out to make a few bucks, showing off their ‘real man’ bodies after catching their wives and other women going crazy over male strippers.

The show runs at the Swan Theatre in Worcester from Tuesday, October 14, until Saturday, October 18, with a matinee on the Saturday. Tickets are available from Worcester Live Box Office on 01905 611427.