HEREFORD Musical Theatre Company (HMTC) are “throwing a ball” – and everyone's invited, to a “swellegant” theatrical party spanning the life of Broadway’s greatest wit, the irrepressible Cole Porter.

Their forthcoming production Red, Hot and Cole at their Whitecross Road theatre celebrates the life of the legend Cole Porter in the year that marks the 50th anniversary of his death.

This two-act revue traces Cole's career from Indiana to the world stages of New York, London, Paris and Venice, through his marriage, his friendships with the greats of his age and the tragic riding accident that crippled him in mid-career, physically, but not artistically.

The show features more than 25 Cole Porter standards, many of which still hold their own today showing just what a songwriting master he was. "Night And Day", "I Love Paris", "Anything Goes", "Let's Do It", "Miss Otis Regrets", "Just One Of Those Things", "In The Still Of The Night" and "My Heart Belongs To Daddy".

HMTC are bringing to life this story and staging it at their own theatre - The Tomkins Theatre, Whitecross Road which has just been brought back to life itself. And the man behind both the re-development of the theatre and the Director of the show is the creative Richard Davies.

"I want to make this production unique, I want the audience to feel part of show from the moment they step through The Tomkins theatre doors. My vision is that the audience will be transformed back to the 1920s, night club singers, a drink on arrival , crystal chandeliers and a colour themed entrance.

Playing the lead part of Cole is relative newcomer to HMTC but longstanding amateur performer, Steve Allan.

"This is my first principle role for HMTC and what shoes to step into. I'm excited and always accepting of a challenge!"

It certainly will be a different way of doing things for HMTC with a baby grand piano and orchestra on stage, but I'm excited and our talented cast will not let anyone down."

Red, Hot & Cole at The Tomkins Theatre, Whitecross Road from Thursday, May 1 to Saturday, May 3 and from Wednesday, May 7 to Saturday, May 10.

To book bisit hmtc.org.uk for a booking form, email info@hmtc.org.uk or call 01684 562155

Richard Davies, Red Hot and Cole Director