Kiss Me Kate

JOHN HALFORD - Fred Graham/Petruchio

John is a new member for Bilston this year making his debut on stage in this demanding multi-character part and we wish him well. As a solo vocolist for 11 years, John is well known as Jonathan Jones in many local establishments.

NATALIE GAYLE - Lilli Vanessi/Kate

Natalie first joined the company id 2003 for "ANNIE GET YOUR GUN" and has since established herself as a hard working company and committee member. She produced our Spring Concerts in 2005 and 2006 as well as taking lead roles on stage as 'Edith' in "PIRATES OF PENZANCE" and 'Rachel' in last year's "PICKWICK". Other theatre roles include 'Carrie' in "CAROUSEL", 'Minnie Fay' in "HELLO DOLLY".

JULIA CHELL - Lois Lane/Bianca

We welcome Julia for her first role with Bilston. Julia has been on stage since the age of 7 when she was Enoch Snow's youngest daughter in a production of "CAROUSEL" and has been performing ever since.
After a lenghty illness she returned to the stage in 2004 and spent the summer of 2005 performing her own cabaret act as part of a team at a holiday park in Aberystwyth. She is delighted to have the opportunity of returning to musical theatre with Bilson.

MARK FRIEDL - Gremio

This is Mark's second stint with Bilston having origionally joined in 2002 for "SOUTH PACIFIC". Mark has performed with Willenhall Operatic Society since 1985 but family commitments with the birth of a son forced Mark to take a temporary break. No stranger to "KISS ME KATE" having played 'Hortensio' previously, Mark is looking forward to a good week with Bilston at the Grand.

PAUL LYCETT - Bill Calhoun/Lucentio

Paul successfully auditioned to join the company this year and we wish him well with the role of Bill Calhoun. Mark is a member of Chadsmoor Choral Society and he has also played the part of 'Sky Masterson' (GUYS & DOLLS) and 'Billy Bigelow' (CAROUSEL) and the 'Pirate King' (PIRATES OF PENZANCE)

DAFFYD GOUGH - Hortensio

Daffyd has been a company member for 4 years and last year took on the role of 'Winkle' in our production of "PICKWICK". Daffyd is also a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company in addition to experience with the National Youth Theatre. He is studying Performing Arts at Wolverhampton and in his spare time is lead singer in a group "Without Warning" whose TV work for BBC3 includes "Lead Balloons" due to be screened in November 06.

ERIC PAGE - Harry Trevor/Baptisa

Eric first trod the boards in 1962 for Darlaston Operatic Society which sadly disbanded in 1965. In 1966 he joined Bilston and since then he has taken on a wide variety of roles. Some of his favourites are 'Sir John' (ME & MY GIRL), 'President Roosevelt (ANNIE), 'Captain Andy' (SHOWBOAT), 'Luther Billis', 'Stewpot' & 'Captain Bracket' all from SOUTH PACIFIC in different years. Eric is also a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company.

SUE TURNER - Hattie

Sue first joined the company as a dancer in 1967 for "ZIP GOES A MILLION" and has since played many cameo parts in various productions for the company including 'Minnie Faye' (HELLO DOLLY) and her personal favourite, 'Adelaide' (GUYS & DOLLS). As a dedicated committee member, Sue is always working hard for the company.

MARK BAYLISS - Paul

Mark joined as a fully paid up member this year although he has performed with us on several occassions as a child star playing 'Tiny Tim' (SCROOGE 2000), and Jake (ANNIE GET YOUR GUN 2003). Mark is a member of the National Youth Theatre and was part of a 50th Anniversary show in Trafalgar Square in September. In a forthcoming film of Hansel and Gretel, Mark takes on the role of Hansel.

CHRIS FROST - Harrison Howell

Chris has been performing on stage for many years with Muscom and first joined Bilston in 2002 for "SOUTH PACIFIC" and so enjoyed the role of 'Stewpot' has stayed ever since. Amongst the many parts undertaken arfe 'Big Jule' (GUYS & DOLLS) and last year 'Turnkey' (PICKWICK). The role of Harrioson Howell is one he is particularly looking forward to as he takes a rest during rehearsals.

CHRIS DOWEN - 1st Gangster

Chris joined Bilston in 2001 for "SLIPPER AND THE ROSE" and since then he took the role of 'Samuel' in "PIRATES OF PENZANCE" and last year played 'Augustus Snodgrass' in "PICKWICK". This part is a definite challenge for Chris as in real life he is a serving Police Officer. Chris has also performed with Willenhall Operatic Society.

ALF RAI - 2nd Gangster

Alf was another recruit in 2001 for "SLIPPER AND THE ROSE" and has since worked hard as a popular member of the company. This is his first significant role and we wish him well. Alf has enjoyed playing minor roles with Willenhall Operaric Society.

PHILLIP DRINKWATER - Ralph, Stage Manager

Phillip is another addition to the company this year having previously performed as 'Moose' in "CRAZY FOR YOU" with Muscom earlier this year. Phillip has been a member of Rainbow Pantomimes, Stourbridge Operatic, Kinver Operatic and Brierley Hill Operatic Society.

RAY MORRIS - Pops, Stage Doorman

Ray first became involved with Bilston in 1960 for 'King's Rhapsody' and played various roles including 'Lt. Buzz Adams' in the 1968 production of "SOUTH PACIFIC". He rejoined us to participate in "PICKWICK" last year and is a long time member of Wombourne Players Drama group.