Amanda shows naked ambition

Exotic dancer Jodie gave Amanda a few tips

Amateur actress Amanda Smith is taking research for her new role very seriously.

She has been learning the fine art of strip tease, thanks to the exotic dancers at Foxies club in Regent Circus.

Amanda is the star of Old Town Theatre Company's latest production Popcorn, a play based on the novel by Ben Elton.

Amanda, who lives in Swindon and works as a cartographer, takes the part of Brooke Daniels, a former Playboy model and actress. She says she has no fears about playing such a raunchy part.

"As long as I know the other actor, it's fine,'' she said.

"I don't like to see the audience though ­ the trick is never to look at them ­ bright lights help a lot there.''

In the play Brooke has to strip for a major Hollywood director.

The director of Popcorn is Ashley Heath and it was his idea to take Amanda along to Foxies for some expert advice.

"When I realised that we needed to make this routine believable and sensual, I instantly thought of asking Foxies to help,'' said Ashley.

John Jefferies, the co-director of the tableside dancing club, was astonished by the request but willing to lend a helping hand.

"I was surprised when Ashley walked in and asked for help. It is the first time that we have had a request like this but our girls are professionals,'' he said.

"They know how to use their bodies to tantalise in all the right ways ­ without crossing the line.''

Exotic dancer Jodie gave Amanda a few tips.

"She showed Amanda some nice eyebrow raising moves,'' said Ashley. "We should be able to blend some of them into the routine although I think the pole itself might be a little too conspicuous.''

The actress from OTTC is not at all concerned about stripping in public.

"Taking clothes off is something everyone does every day.'' said Amanda, 39.

Foxies management hopes that the amateur dramatic society's play might dispel some of the negative connotations about the club.

Mr Jefferies said: "Until people know exactly what goes on here, they are very unsure, but we honestly get a lot of women coming in because they know it's a place where they can drink in a hassle free atmosphere.''

Ashley said: "We are grateful to John and everyone at Foxies and hope they will come and see the show.''

OTTC celebrate their 10th anniversary this year ­ their first play, What The Butler Saw by Joe Orton, was presented in March 1993.

Popcorn runs from October 9 to October 11 at 7.30pm at the Arts Centre, Devizes Road, Old Town. Tickets are £5. Call the box office on 01793 614837 for further details.

Flicky Harrison
Swindon Evening Advertiser

Popcorn marks theatre company's tenth birthday

Amanda gets into the part

Foxy lady takes on a whole new meaning for amateur Swindon actress Amanda Smith this week.

She has been taking lessons in exotic dancing from the dancers at Foxies night club in the town.

Amanda takes the part of Brooke Daniels, a former Playboy model and actress in Popcorn, Ben Elton's satirical comedy about the violence and blatant sexuality of Hollywood.

OTTC, The Old Town Theatre Company, are presenting Popcorn at the Swindon Arts Centre from tonight until Saturday at 7.30pm.

Amanda says she has no fears about playing such a raunchy part.

"As long as I know the other actor, it's fine,'' she said. "I don't like to see the audience though ­ the trick is never to look at them, bright lights help a lot there!''

The comedy is set around Hollywood's hottest director Bruce Delamitri.

Two psychopaths break into the director's house in an attempt to convince the world that the violence in his films is to blame for their psychotic tendencies.

Bruce is portrayed by Bob Charman, a BMW trainer from Malmesbury.

"He starts out completely pretentious with a baseless Hollywood value system but he is forced to realise what is important ­ his wife and child,'' said Bob.

"The play is a frightening indictment of the power of the big screen. "It illustrates vividly the debate over the anti-social effects of violent movies.''

Ashley Heath from BBC Radio Swindon takes on the director's role.

The play is part of the celebrations to mark the theatre company's 10th anniversary.

The company was formed in December 1992 and its first play, Joe Orton's What The Butler Saw, was in March 1993.

Anyone interested in joining the company should contact the website: www.swindonweb.com/ottc

Tickets to see Popcorn are £5 from (01793) 614837.

Flicky Harrison
Swindon Evening Advertiser