WENDY Holloway is all ready to pucker up for her starring role in the show, Kiss Me Kate.

There is just one problem - she has no one to kiss.

A city amateur dramatic society staging the production has so far been

unable to find a leading man to fill the role for the musical and now things

are looking pretty desperate.

"It is holding up rehearsals. I had hoped to start two or three weeks ago

and I can't hold things back for much longer," said Philip Beeson, director

of Worcester Operatic and Dramatic Society's production, to be staged in the autumn.

The society has held two sets of auditions so far in an attempt to fill the

role of Fred Graham, but has been unable to find the right person for

the part.

"It is a great opportunity for somebody," said Mr Beeson.

"It is a showcase role, one of the great roles in musicals for a man. It was, of course, immortalised by Howard Keel in the film," he said.

Charismatic

"We want a charismatic actor, in his 30s or 40s, with a good baritone voice.

In Kiss Me Kate, Fred Graham is the director and larger-than-life star of the musical theatre. He plays the part of Petruchio in his own new musical version of The Taming of the Shrew.

Previously married to the leading lady - now, a year on and divorced - he obviously still has feeling for her, despite their continual squabbling.

Mr Beeson, who has directed about 30 shows and took the leading part of Emile in WODS' production of South Pacific staged at Malvern Festival Theatre three years ago, has advertised locally and nationally for someone to fill the role.

But, in true, time-honoured style, he says that whatever happens, the show will go on.

Meanwhile, soprano and leading lady Wendy Holloway, who took a starring role in WODS' recent successful production of Chess at Worcester's Swan Theatre, is preparing for the part of Kate, and hoping that someone will turn up to play opposite her.

Kiss Me Kate is due to be staged at Malvern Festival Theatre from Tuesday, October 14, to Saturday, October 18.

Anyone who would like to audition for the part of Fred Graham should ring Philip Beeson on 01386 423021.