BRIDEGROOM Adam Compton and his leading lady Liz Woodhouse are taking on lead roles for the first time in a bitter-sweet stage romance in Brierley Hill.

The stage struck pair became a love struck couple during last year’s awarding-winning Me and My Girl with CHAOS – the Cradley Heath Amateur Operatic Society.

After tying the knot in July and honeymooning in Ibiza, they are now busy rehearsing for the title roles of Mack and Mabel for Brierley Hill Civic Hall’s premiere of the musical.

Mr Compton joined CHAOS in 2008 for its centenary production of South Pacific, while his real-life wife has been leading lady in shows from Meet Me in St Louis in 2002 to last year's Me and My Girl, when love blossomed.

CHAOS press officer Paul Murdock said: “This won't be the first time they have performed opposite each other. They played the Cratchits in A Christmas Carol in 2012, but it will be the first time they have played the leading roles together.”

Although the previous version of American composer Jerry Herman’s Mack and Mabel has been seen in the Dudley area, it will be the first time the revised version has been seen.

Mr Murdock added: “We thought we would follow last year's Me and My Girl, which won four awards from the Birmingham and District Theatre Guild and also Best Regional Production from the National Operatic and Dramatic Association, with something special.”

The show tells of the bitter-sweet romance of Mack Sennett and Mabel Normand, against the backdrop of the heyday of silent movies, with the Keystone Cops and Fatty Arbuckle thrown in for good measure.

Mr Murdock also revealed a “special appearance” in the show as this year also celebrates the 125th birthday anniversary of Charlie Chaplin.

The songs include big chorus and dance routines such as Big Time, Tap Your Troubles Away and When Mabel Comes in the Room, slapstick numbers notably Look What Happened to Mabel, the bitter-sweet Time Heals Everything and tear-jerker I Won't Send Roses.

The show runs from Tuesday November 11 to Saturday November 15.

Tickets, priced £14, are available from the box office on 0121 585 7380.