THE director of a Chester theatre company is looking for an actor to play a pivotal role in a challenging play this autumn at a city centre venue.

Peter Swingler, of Tip Top Productions, is directing Doubt by John Patrick Shanley.

And he has launched a search for someone to play black American Mrs Muller, the mother of a pupil at a Catholic school who may be the subject of abuse. The original play was made into a film starring Meryl Streep and Amy Adams.

Peter, based at the Forum Studio Theatre in Chester, said: “There are four characters in this 90 minute play set in New York in 1964.

“The working class Mrs Muller manages to get her son into a middle class school which was quite a feat in the 1960s.

“She also challenges the headteacher which makes the nun uneasy about her faith and judgment. In 1964 black women did not confront or argue with the authority of the church and therefore it is essential that I cast from the right ethnic background.”

Peter is looking for someone local or within travelling distance of Chester for the part.

He added: “Obviously I would prefer someone with experience but I am happy to audition any black woman between the ages of 30 to 50 who feels like the challenge.”

Doubt will be at the Forum Studio Theatre from November 4-6. Rehearsals start in September.

Anyone interested in the role can email peters@tiptop productions.co.uk.