ASPIRING performers have a chance to star in a lavish musical theatre classic – but only if more performers step up to the plate.

Bridgwater Amateur Operatic Society (BAOS) is prepared to spend £20,000 on its production of The King and I, by Rodgers and Hammerstein.

But with only 22 of the 40 cast members needed currently on board, the project is under threat, says director Sue Pomeroy.

She said: “There’s so much going on in Bridgwater. It seems to be a town completely loaded with musical theatre, whether from dance schools, clubs or societies, then with carnival. The King and I is a classic story with a wonderful score.

“Our principal parts show great promise but at the moment we’re at a bit of a quandary. We’re short of wives and dancers for a very, very exciting, unconventional dance mime show that takes place within the performance.

“We also need six more children aged between six and 12.

“If you haven’t ever performed on stage, we’d like to give you the opportunity. There’s a lot of aspiring people out there who would like to try and we’re a very friendly group.”

BAOS hopes to see a better turn-out at two King And I workshops held on Wednesday and Thursday from 7.30pm at the Society’s headquarters in All Saints Terrace, Bridgwater.

Auditions are on Sunday, December 15, in the clubroom.

For more information about getting involved, call Sue Pomeroy on 01278-662181.