A STOURPORT actor who has just finished a three-year stint in a daytime soap will be tackling an entirely different role when he takes to the stage next month.

Garry Holloway, who played the barman in BBC television's Doctors, will star as the emcee in the musical, Cabaret, during its week-long run at the Highbury Little Theatre, Sutton Coldfield.

The former Stourport High School pupil, now in his 30s, turned professional four years ago, having cut his theatrical teeth with Kidderminster's Carpet Trade Operatic Group and Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society.

Television roles he has played since taking the decision to make acting his full-time career have been a radiographer on Casualty for nine months and a policeman in Dalziel and Pascoe. He has also appeared in Merseybeat, The Forsyte Saga, Crossroads and Coronation Street.

Garry was a founder of Kidderminster Operatic and Dramatic Society's Youth Section - KODYS - 12 years ago and used to choreograph productions by the Kidderminster and Carpet Trade societies, as well as Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society - WODS.

He has had plenty of experience to prepare him for his upcoming role in Cabaret, having already appeared in 30 musicals, in addition to being a teacher of tap dancing.

He also promoted the Cardiff Festival for BBC Wales, dressed as a sailor for a trailer spoof of the film, On The Town. He had to record the title song in a studio, learn the words overnight and sing and dance at various attractions around Cardiff - even in an open-top bus which was on the move.

Cabaret, a pro-am production, is being staged at the Highbury Little Theatre, Sutton Coldfield, from Monday, November 22 until Saturday, November 27.

Garry explained how he won the role of emcee - played in the movie version of Cabaret by Joel Grey - by saying: "I was cast for the part after the director had seen me play Bill Snibson in Me and My Girl at the Crescent Theatre, Birmingham.

"The role is a part I have always thought I would like to play. I get to act, sing, dance and wear some outrageous costumes and wigs."