A TROOP of Torfaen actors are due to face their toughest challenge, impressing the Broadway writer and producer who penned their latest production.

The Cwmbran Musical Theatre Company We Are What We Are (WAWWA), is preparing to stage the Welsh Premier of Side Show and has received confirmation that the show's creator, Bill Russell will be flying in from the bright lights of Broadway to the city lights of Newport.

Side Show is the true story of conjoined twin sisters Daisy and Violet Hilton who rose from obscurity as performers in a second-rate carnival 'freak show' to touring the country as the toast of the Vaudeville circuit during the depression.

Director and founder of WAWWA, Jay Coleman said the show promises to take the audience on a roller coaster ride.

"Side Show ran on Broadway for five years to rave reviews and our superb cast will transport you from your seat in the Dolman Theatre to the harsh reality of the freak shows in the late 19th century," he said.

Local actress and estate agent Becky Davies is appearing as Daisy Hilton, alongside her best friend Juliana Woods, from Fairwater, as Violet. Twenty-one-year-old Becky, from Penygarn, has been a member of WAWWA since she was 11.

She said: "We are really looking forward to welcoming the writer, the fact he is coming is amazing, but it's a huge pressure for the cast we have a lot to live up to."

Becky, branch manager for Davis and Sons in Pontypool, is a classically trained singer and has also appeared in WAWWA's productions of Godspell and Return to the Forbidden Planet.

She said Side Show is one of her favourite musicals. "We have spent 12 weeks rehearsing and it has been emotionally draining because it is a very emotional story, but I can't wait for the performance, I'm so excited." Side Show can be seen at the Dolman Theatre, Newport, from Wednesday, March 1 to Saturday, March 4.

Tickets cost £8, £7 concessions, groups of students or OAPs can buy tickets for the first night's performance for £5. For more information telephone 01633 866238.