FROM a real-life company boardroom to a stage, where he struts around in a dress and high heels, Peter Sharratt makes the transition to his role in Hairspray with relative ease.
"I do have a new respect for all the girls who walk around on Friday and Saturday night in high heels," Sharratt said.
The marketing and sales director for a furniture company, Sharratt plays the part of Edna, a role made famous by John Travolta in the film version of Hairspray.
One big drawback for the amateur actor was to fill the shoes of Edna — he struggled to find women's shoes to fit his feet.
"I found a size 11 in a specialist shop in Kings Cross — in the drag queen's department," he said.
Sharratt has been with The Regals Musical Society for five years after having put a lid on his theatrical ambitions while his family grew up.
He is also the society's president.
Hannah Barn is the play's "leading lady" Tracy, Edna's daughter, an overweight teen with stars in her eyes.
Originally from Queensland where she started an educational musical show for children, Barn is an arts co-ordinator by day. Although her first love is writing she said she could not stop herself from becoming involved with the theatre.
Playing Tracy is a "very big challenge and the Regals are very supportive, it's a blast doing it".
The Regals Musical Society production of Hairspray is set in 1962 during "the swinging 60s" and sees Tracy chase her dream of becoming a dancer on a television show hosted by a charming man called Corny.
Tracy supports racial integration and is angry that African-Americans such as Seaweed are only allowed to perform occasionally on television.
There is a large support cast, bringing the total number of performers in the production to 50.
Hairspray Rockdale Town Hall, October 9-17. Bookings 0449 734 257, theregals.com.au
