A N ACTRESS will be transformed from a fairy to a princess for her latest stage appearance.

Shelly-Anne Rivers, from Cheddleton, will be taking the role of Princess Tuptim in Stage Production's new show The King And I at the Regent Theatre.

The 24-year-old returns to her home county after appearing as the Lilac Fairy in Sleeping Beauty, alongside Claire Sweeney, at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley.

Shelley-Anne trained for three years at Laine Theatre Arts in London followed by the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

She said: "Taking part in the Churchill Theatre's Sleeping Beauty was great and I have made lots of contacts from it."

Rodgers and Hammerstein's The King And I will be Shelley's first Stage Production show.

Shelley said: "This is completely different to the fairy I played in Sleeping Beauty.

"The girl I am playing is 'given' to the King as a present but she is in love with someone else. The songs I will be performing are really nice, and include one solo and a couple of duets.

"I have seen the film version and I also played the same part at the Royal Northern College of Music in Manchester.

"However, it will be like learning from scratch as this time it will be with a different director."

Stage Productions is a Midlands based theatre company which puts on full-scale musicals and plays.

This year it will be producing four productions – Brassed Off, Billy Elliot The Musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber's Jesus Christ Superstar and The King And I.

Producer Jonathan Cliffe said: "Shelley completely fills the criteria for the part of Tuptim. She is the perfect age and has a fabulous soprano voice and stunning beauty.

"Shelley also joins several other extremely experienced performers including international opera singer Julie Mellor who is travelling from Venice to take on the role of Lady Thiang."

The King And I is set in the late 19th century. British widow and governess Anna Leonowens, is brought to the court of Siam as tutor to the King's children.

Anna and the King grow to understand and respect one another and learn about each other's cultures.

Songs from the show include: Shall We Dance, March of the Siamese Children, I Whistle a Happy Tune, Hello Young Lovers and Getting To Know You.

The King and I will run at The Regent Theatre in Hanley from Wednesday, March 10 to Saturday, March 13. Evening performances will start at 7.30pm with matinees on Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm.

To book tickets call the Regent Theatre's box office on 0844 871 7649. Or visit www.ambassadortickets.com/stoke.

Are you appearing in a large stage production? Contact entertainment reporter Belinda Hargreaves on 01538 392237 or email belinda.hargreaves@thepostandtimes.co.uk.