A THEATRE company is searching for an actor to take a starring role in its forthcoming musical after the leading man had to pull out with a sudden illness.

Astravaganza Entertainment is staging West Side Story at Stanley Civic Hall in June, but the performer playing the vital role of Tony has been forced to quit the show.

Producer Liam Glendinning said: “Rehearsals for our show are well underway and we were very saddened to hear that our original cast member playing Tony, former leader of the Jets New York street gang, was unable to continue.

“As all thespians know the show must go on, so we are holding open auditions to find another talented young actor/singer to take over, with only 12 weeks to go before the production hits the stage.”

The show will be staged at the Alun Armstrong Theatre, in Stanley, for a five-night run starting on Tuesday, June 21.

Auditions will be held on Sunday (April 10) with hopefuls asked to sing three numbers from the show - Maria, One Hand, One Heart and Something’s Coming – and also act in a small section of the show.

Mr Glendinning added: “There will be a short workshop prior to the auditions for individuals to become familiar with the content required before having ‘try outs’. The role of Tony requires a tenor vocal range with ability to hit a top B flat.”

Auditions will be held at 4pm on Sunday in the United Reformed Church, Stanley. To register your interest, email admin@astravaganza.org.uk or ring Liam Glendinning on 07787 566 850.

The successful actor will need to attend rehearsals on Sunday and Thursday evenings.

Tickets for West Side Story are now available by ringing 01207 299110 or online at www.ticketsource.co.uk/astraents.