A weekly reporter is swapping the page for the stage after being cast in an amateur dramatics society production.

Although Bracknell Times reporter Jennie Slevin had some previous experience in musical theatre, her role in The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas was the first time she had been on stage in years.

Eager to get back into acting, the journalist attended a workshop at East Berkshire Operatic Society which eventually, after a “terrifying audition”, led to her being cast with a named part in the American musical.

“In the past I have found amateur dramatic groups are always very tight knit and I felt scared walking in as a newbie. But the members were so welcoming I felt part of the family from the moment I walked through the door,” Jennie wrote in an article on the Bracknell Times website.

Jennie Slevin, back row, second right, with other cast members. Picture courtesy of The Bracknell Times.

Jennie worked with director Stuart Haylor and the other cast members to bring the peformance together, rehearsing in evenings after work and learning new dance moves and lines.

“The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is an incredibly funny – and naughty – musical about a 1970s brothel known as Chicken Ranch,” she added.

“The musical score is brilliant, packed with fast paced country tunes and heartfelt ballads, and with the company led by the fabulous Tim Cumper it didn’t take long for the songs to come together.

“It was hard getting back into it at first, especially working a full-time job and then finding the energy in the evenings to learn dances and lines.

“One of the things I will miss after the show is finished, is dressing up each night in the brilliant costumes provided by Bronwyn Hodgkins and Sarah Richardson who have worked their fingers to the bone making us look the part.”

The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas is running in November at South Hill Park, Ringmead, Bracknell.