Article reproduced by the courtesy of The Sentinel, please visit their website [click here].
Photo: copyright belongs to The Sentinel from whom copies can be purchased.
Written by Hannah Crush.

My new role's a drag.

GOING from Christ to crossdressing is one sure way to avoid being typecast. Last time theatre-goers around the country saw Potteries-born entertainer Jonathan Wilkes, he was playing the alternate roles of Jesus and Judas in Godspell. But next January audiences at Hanley's Regent Theatre will be treated to the sight of their home-grown rising star in stockings and suspenders as he steps into the high heels of Frank N Furter in the Rocky Horror Show.

Twenty-three-year-old Jonathan, who is originally from Baddeley Green, said: "After Godspell I wanted to do something completely different, something that no-one would expect. I thought it was time audiences saw a different side to me, rather than being seen as the nice boy-next-door-type."

And his fans may be well surprised to see him in the role of Dr. Frank N Furter, a transvestite from the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, who believes he has created the perfect man to add to his kinky household full of misfits.

Although a self-confessed fan of the film version - "I must have seen it more than 50 times" - Jonathan has never had the opportunity to see the stage show, usually due to work commitments.

Jonathan Wilkes is looking forward to a turn in the Rocky Horror Show, having enjoyed success in Godspell (inset)

Unsurprisingly, he is extremely enthusiastic about his latest role. He said: "I have been going over the songs and am getting more and more excited every day. The part of Frank is one of the best ever written for a musical and the shock aspect of it is great."

Rehearsals for the show begin in September and Jonathan has recently been fitted for his size 11 three-inch-high high heels - which will take him to 6'5" inches tall. "I'll be practising walking around in them at home, although probably not out and about", he laughed. "But the show isn't really about naked flesh, it's about having a good time." He added: "There is a real party-atmosphere - that is what the show is all about. You don't have to dress up - although a lot of people do - and it doesn't matter about your age, gender or race. It's just fun."

Jonathan is particularly looking forward to returning to Stoke-on-Trent to perform. "It's a very special place for me," he said. "Doing Godspell on home ground was amazing and very emotional." And, he confessed, there is something else he would really like to do in Stoke.

He said: "I'd really like to switch on the Christmas lights. I might just start a campaign to get asked to do it."