LOUISE Kempson - a "true Geordie at heart" - is loving her role in the forthcoming Southend Operatic Society play, where she stars in the lead as Lilli Vanessi in Kiss Me, Kate.

Kiss Me, Kate tells the story of the trials and tribulations of a theatre company staging a musical version of Shakespeare’s The Taming of the Shrew in 1940s Baltimore.

Egotistical leading man and producer Frederic Graham is forced to play opposite his ex-wife Lilli Vanessi in the show. A battle of the sexes ensues as they profess to hate each other, while still being in love.

Providing well known songs such as Too Darn Hot, Wünderbar and Brush Up Your Shakespeare, Kiss Me, Kate combines romance, comedy, sophistication and behind-the-scenes high jinks.

The production runs at the Palace Theatre from April 18-21.

Tickets are on sale now available from southendtheatres.org.uk

Louise is living in Shoeburyness.

When and under what circumstances did you start taking part in dramatics?

I played the part of Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar back in 2006. This was one of my first shows at the Theatre Royal, Newcastle upon Tyne.

Have you done any formal theatre or musical training?

Yes, I studied at Newcastle Performing Arts College then finished my final year at KSA Performing Arts in Kent getting highest honours.

Do you do any accents or impressions?

I love doing accents anything from Liverpool to Welsh. A few people have said I am very good at playing characters and doing impressions of famous singers.

Which experience/role do you regard as the highlight of your time in the theatre?

I won a national competition to be in Wicked the Musical, London a few years back. I shared the stage with the wonderful cast and crew. This was my first highlight of treading the west end boards.

What was your most gratifying moment in terms of response from an audience?

When I played the part of Barbara Castle in LODS production of Made in Dagenham. The audiences loved the show and we even got to meet one of the wonderful women who worked during the strike at Ford.

Who is the most inspirational person you have worked with/been taught by, in your stage career?

This sounds cliche but I have worked with so many directors and MD’s over the years I can’t name just one.

Ever corpsed on stage? What happened?

We were in tech rehearsals for Made in Dagenham and in one of my scenes one of the factory girls fell and toppled over onto this sofa. Her feet flew in the air and we all started laughing so hard we started crying, we couldn’t continue with the scene it was that funny.

What do you do for a living, when not acting?

I am a full time Mam looking after my gorgeous son Owen. When I am not looking after him I have my own business called Bonny Baby Bouquets providing Baby Gifts for new and expecting parents.

Has your theatre career ever been useful in your day job, and/or have you ever drawn on your day job for any of your stage roles?

Apart from singing lullabies to Owen to make him go to sleep.

Ever thought of going professional?

I have done many professional roles for TV, commercials and theatre. I'm currently looking for work.

Tell us about your current production, and how you have approached your role.

Kiss me Kate is a classic Cole Porter show with timeless songs. I play the part of Kate/Lilli. She is such a great character and I love playing her. I get to sing some wonderful songs. Thank you SODS for letting me play my first lead role I can’t wait.

Which actor do you most admire and why?

Sir David Jason because he has played a multitude of roles, plus he is an amazing actor of our time.

What role would you most like to play and why?

Any character role really I don’t mind, I just love performing and singing.

What future roles have you got lined up?

You can see me in June play one of the Divas in Priscilla Queen of the Desert at the Towngate Theate, Basildon with the Players Theatre Company

Any tips to pass on for learning your lines?

I record lines/ songs and play them over and over again to soak in the lines

Any other tricks of the trade to pass on?

Just be prepared for loads of hard work in rehearsals and always give 110 per cent!