Andy goes the extra mile for new BLODS production

Andy Mould is going the extra mile with a full shave of his (very hairy) chest in order to get a smooth, tanned look for the hit second World War musical South Pacific.

The show is the latest offering from the BLODS, and rehearsals are well underway for the production that goes on at the De La Warr Pavilion in June.

Andy, a former manager of the White Rock Theatre in Hastings, is no stranger to the stage and has appeared in countless shows over the years.

But his comedy role as wheeling-dealing Luther Billis in the show will go down as one of his best performances.

He said: "It's a great part and I wanted to look right. Hairy chests just weren't right for that heat so all my fur is coming off and I am being waxed for the show. It's painful but worth it!"

Andy will have his chest rug whipped out from under him by beautician Amanda Durrant, at the Jeunesse salon in London Road, Bexhill.

She said: "He has no idea just how painful the process can be. Women have been waxing for years so they are used to it but I reckon he might scream the place down."

There will also be a fresh, suntanned look to several cast members who will be sprayed with a South Pacific-like suntan before curtain up.

Director Tony Harris, whose last outing with the BLODs was his much-acclaimed Gondoliers in 2007, has called for a little authenticity in terms of how the cast look.

Tony said: "You simply can't ignore the fact that the amount of sun we get here leaves most of us white as sheets and the people in the islands would have been several shades darker.

"This is going to be a great show with some great performances from a very strong cast. What we need is the support from the audience to make it all worthwhile."

South Pacific runs from Wednesday June 10 to Saturday June 13 at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.

Tickets are priced 11 and under 12s go for 6 - available from the De La Warr box office on 01424 229111.