THEATRE-MAD Caroline Jester has made her mark on the big stage at the tender age of 28 by directing a major production of controversial drama The Blue Room.

Kidderminster-born Caroline took the helm of the play, currently on a sell out tour of Britain, thanks to her ties at the Birmingham Rep, where she has worked for six years.

Caroline, who grew up in the town and attended Harry Cheshire High School - now re-named Baxter College - said: "This is my first major job.

"The production company, One From The Heart, contacted the theatre and said they were looking for a young director. My name was put forward which was really flattering and unexpected."

She said it was a challenge to take the text - infamous for its erotic nature - and adapt it for the stage.

Caroline, who works as a literary officer at the Rep and now lives in the city, said: "My job was to look at the text, which was adapted by David Hare from a book called La Ronde, and turn it into a production.

"The three weeks of rehearsals were strange because of the nature of the play. It only features two actors which allows them to develop their characters more naturally."

As for the "Tracy Shaw" version, also on tour at the moment with the ex-Coronation Street actress, Caroline sounds nervous - but not because she thinks it offers any real competition.

She said: "David Hare has never liked any production yet so I am pretty scared about him coming to see it at the Rep next month."

Caroline's next move is an ambitious project to perform 18 plays in two weeks at the Rep's Door theatre as part of her ongoing job at the theatre working with new writers.

The Blue Room will be at the theatre on June 11 and 12.