A "ROLLERCOASTER of excitement" is in store when around 16 grappling entertainers get to grips with each other in Stourport.

American Wrestling 2005 Tour is visiting Stourport Civic Centre on Saturday, April 23.

The show will feature professionals, including Canadian grappler, Ashley Steele and USA superstar, Sal Americana.

It is hoped that Kidderminster's own Chris Cage will also take part in the event, challenging Extreme Sports Entertainment Wrestling (ESEW) champion, The Bull, for the title of heavyweight champion - although this is dependent on Cage's recovery from a neck injury.

Richard Price, who set up Worcester-based ESEW in 1998, described the show, which costs more than £1,000 for his company to stage, as "high-octane entertainment for people of all ages".

He added the live event, which he called "the most extreme form of theatre you could possibly imagine" would be filmed and four television channels were interested in broadcasting it.

"Whereas people like to say it's a violent sport or rough entertainment, it's neither - just sports entertainment," he went on.

"It's geared specifically to entice emotion from the audience. Like the "he's behind you" lines when you go to a pantomime, it's the same sort of thing, where pantomime atmosphere relies heavily on audience involvement in the show."

The event will also see ESEW tag team champions and fan favourites, The Coalminers, defend their belts against Nick Knight and Americana in the 18ft by 18ft ESEW ring and Sam Daniels defending the ESEW UK Championship against Kid Kandy.

There will be around six or seven matches in total.

Tickets for the show, which starts at 7pm, can be purchased on the door, or in advance from Kidderminster Town Hall on 01562 732158.

Children under five are free when accompanied by two paying adults.