Debbie Owen ready for her close-up in Shropshire premiere of Sunset Boulevard

One of the most famous lines in Hollywood history, and soon it will be echoing across the Shropshire stage.

The premieree performance of Sunset Boulevard will be performed by the Telford and District Light Operatic Players (TADLOP) at Oakengates Theatre from March 29 to 31.

And Debbie Owen, principle at Newport's Youth Musical Theatre Academy, will be taking on the lead role of faded star Norma Desmond.

Ironically, it is stepping into the role made famous by Gloria Swanson and Glenn Close that has given the 52-year-old the confidence to take another chance on a stage career.

"I didn't realise until I started rehearsals that it was the biggest role I've ever played," she said.

"It is very demanding. There are 10 costume changes and four big solo numbers. It's hard from an acting point of view as well as singing.

"I'm having to repeat all those iconic lines from the black and white film, then the musical."

Sunset Boulevard tells the story of young screenwriter Joe Gillis, who accidentally rediscovers the eccentric Norma Desmond. Norma is rapidly ageing but convinced that she can pull off a comeback as a teenage Salome in a big film adaption of the biblical story.

As Norma begins to realise the reality of her situation, he life starts to fall apart leading to an horrific ending.

The Andrew Lloyd Webber musical is based on Billy Wilder's 1950 film of the same name.

TADLOP's production will be the first staging of the musical in Shropshire, and Debbie, from Sambrook, Newport, said that rehearsals are going really well.

"The guy playing Joe was a student of mine, Richard Kee, when we opening in Telford in 2002," she said. "He was one of my first students, and here we are 16 years later working together again.

"There's a fantastic orchestra under the direction of Ryan Stace, and director Robin Cooper and I go back 30 years. That's nice we've come back to that as well."

Debbie was trained in London during the 80s, and has been teaching musical theatre for many years.

But playing Norma has inspired Debbie to give it another go and seek representation in London.

"The part has given me confidence," Debbie said.

"I've taught for years in Telford, and taken students on to work in the West End, so maybe it's my turn now. It's getting this part that has challenged me and pushed me."

Tickets are available for all three nights of the performance. They cost £15 each.

The performance will begin at 7.30 on March 29 and 30, and at 6pm on March 31.

For more information about the play or to get tickets, visit theplacetelford.com or call 01952 382382.