VIVACIOUS Irene Smith has been chosen to play the lead role of Marie Lloyd in a new production about the music Hall star's life -ZSing a Rude Song. It's not surprising that Irene loves to tread the boards. Her parents, Beatrice and John Schofield were both singers with Farnworth AODS and Irene is a member of the society and involved in productions with many others. She has played a variety of roles. Terry Bowden of St Peter's Methodist AODS persuaded her to play the Wicked Queen in the pantomimeZSnow WhiteZand her acting career has never faltered since.

"Terry has been a great support of my acting," she said.

Irene played Irene in theZForstye SagaZ- she received a nomination for a Greater Manchester Drama Federation award for that role - Julie inZShowboatZand Lady Bracknell inZThe Importance of Being EarnestZfor the Phoenix Theatre Company.

Irene is looking forward to the challenge ofZSing A Rude SongZwhich has 25 musical numbers, 20 of which are hers. But she still insists that she prefers "straight" acting.

"The audience will have an opportunity to join in a couple of songs -ZThe Boy I LoveZandZMy Old Man Says Follow the Van."

Sing A Rude SongZwas written by Ned Sherrin and Caryl Brahms with music by Ron Grainer.

As reported on this page recently, the musical score has been transcribed by Arnold Thornton, the production's Musical Director, and the show will be staged by the Bolton company Counterpoint at the Theatre Royal, Ramsbottom.

"It's the story of Marie's love life and she is reputed to have had a lot of men," Irene said.

Margaret Ward is directingZSing A Rude SongZwhich will run from October 7 to 12.

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