When an office appeal went out for someone to join other would-be stars auditioning for the charismatic working class lead in Saturday Night and Sunday Morning I jumped at the chance. Nobody mentioned how truly terrifying auditions are.

Milling about the Nottingham Arts Theatre in George Street, Hockley, yesterday with 20 other budding actors gave me time to eye up potential rivals.

Albert Finney starred as Nottingham factory worker Arthur Seaton in the film of Alan Sillitoe's book in 1960 - before I was born.

But such is the gritty tale's enduring popularity that the British Film Institute has decided to re-release it, a perfect example of the 1960s British 'New Wave' movies.

Not only would we be trying to fill Finney's shoes but it would eventually be for the first Nottingham stage production - opening in January - of Sillitoe's own adaptation of his book.

So, why did the other audition candidates look so calm?

Teacher Sarah Cadogan, (25), had acted before in one of the theatre's productions.

"I just love being on stage. It gives you a real buzz being somebody else," she said.

Friend Louise Dobb, (28), has been a regular at the Nottingham Arts Theatre for three years.

She confided: "I do get nervous at auditions - but not on stage."

Louise wasn't going for the lead female role of Brenda because it involves appearing nude, although only seen from behind.

And I thought my role was difficult!

Phillip Burn, (31), was also up for the part of Arthur.

"I'm never nervous about auditions. I used to box and after that you're not afraid of anything."

Reading the script aloud I thought I'd done quite well, given that I don't actually have a Nottingham accent.

But should I be throwing away my notebook and reaching for the greasepaint just yet?

The play's director, Patricia Tribe, said: "I don't think we could use you for the lead, you don't quite have the experience."

But she added kindly: "I could perhaps use you in one of the smaller parts."

And she said a second set of auditions would be held shortly, as other potential Arthurs had not been able to make yesterday's session.

Alan Sillitoe said: "If a lot of people want to play the role of Arthur Seaton I hope they get the accent right, that's very important.

"It is a good role that a lot of actors aspire to, one that Albert Finney did so well."