South Pacific

ENSIGN NELLIE FORBUSH - Sue Evans

Sue has been a leading member of the Company for 12 years. Amongst her favourite roles have been Lady Thiang in "The King & I", Carrie in "Carousel" and Dolly Levi in our 1999 production of ."Hello Dolly"

Last year we saw her as the fairy godmother in "The Slipper And The Rose".

EMILE DE BECQUE - Mike Thomas

Mike is no stranger to the Company or the Grand Theatre, having played many leading and varies roles over the years with Bilston and other local societies, and particually noted for this portrayal of Tevye in "Fidder On The Roof" with Bilston Operatic.

He lists "South Pacific" amongst his favourite shows.

LT. JOSEPH CABLE - Phillip Probert

Phil joined our company for the 75th Anniversary concert and it is his first time in Wolverhampton. Previously in Sheffield with Dinnington Operatic where he took part in many shows including "Oliver" playing Bill Sykes. He toured Ireland last year in "A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To The Forum" playing Hero. He has also appeared on TV's "Stars In Their Eyes" as Robbie Williams. Now he is hoping to study at R.A.D.A next September.

LUTHER BILLIS - Greg Yates

Greg has undertaken many roles for a wide range of local companies. He also has a talent for the Production side, and last year saw him Co-Producer for our production of "Slipper And The Rose". We look forward to seeing him in this comedy role.

HENRI, EMILE's NATIVE SERVANT - James Hill

Jimmy is a long standing member of the company and has undertaken many cameo roles during his stage career. This year sees him achieve over 45 years of treading the boards.

STEWPOT - Chris Frost

This is a 'Bilston' first for Chris, having being a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company for the last 27 years, has played numberous roles with them at the Grand Theatre, the last being Big Jule in "Guys And Dolls" in March this year. As he says, he has enjoyed great fun and hard work at rehearsals and is looking forward to an enjoyable week.

PROFESSOR - Andy Poulton

Andy is no stranger to the stage, being a member of Wolverhampton Musical Comedy Company, South Staffs Operatic Company, and Stourbridge Operatic Company. He has played many roles with these companies, and being a dancer since the age of three, is interested in choreography work, and would like to pursue this in the years to come. This is his first show with Bilston Operatic Company.

LT. BUZZ ADAMS - Steve Noakes

Steve is a fairly recent addition to the company but he has taken on many major roles with West Midland companies. Last year saw him as the 'Major Domo' in our production of "Slipper And The Rose".

YEOMAN HERBERT QUALE, SAILOR - Arthur Bate

Arthur is one of those loyal company members always to be seen on stage somewhere or other taking subsidiary roles as and when required. He enjoys the buzz from performing and is always willing to help out when necessary.

BLOODY MARY - Maggie Parry

Maggie has been performing on stage since the age of five with various groups and joined Cannock Operatic for her debut in 1995. Since then she has played Helena in "Dream", Isobel/Helen in "Scrooge" and Mabel in "Pirates of Penzance". She is delighted to be joining Bilston for her first production at the Grand Theatre.

LIAT (HER DAUGHTER) - Beth Keasey

Beth has a variety of talents as actress, dancer and singer and first joined the company to take the part of Molly in our 1994 production of "Annie". Last year she took on the demanding role of 'Cinderella' in our premiere of "The Slipper And The Rose".

CAPTAIN GEORGE BRACKET, US NAVY - Eric Page

Eric has lost count of the many and varied roles he has played on stage for Bilston and other companies, from Captain Andy in "Showboat", Mr Bumble in "Oliver", Horace Vandergelder in "Hello Dolly" and last year the King in "Slipper And The Rose".

CMDR. WILLIAM HARBISON, US NAVY - Les Middleton

Les is one of the company stalwarts with over 35 years of performing under his belt. He has undertaken many roles both with Bilston and Walsall Operatic companies. He is particularly fond of the part of the Rabbi in "Fiddler On The Roof".

RADIO OP. BOB McCAFFREY - John Arnold

John has been performing on stage with both Bilston Operatic and Willenhall Operatic companies for many years. He has undertaken many supporting roles including the part of Jacob Marley in our 2000 production of "Scrooge".

JEROME, EMILE'S SON - Mark Bayliss / Jack McEntree

NGANA, EMAILE'S DAUGHTER - Charlotte Bradshaw / Elizabeth Johnson