WINDOWS may be rattling in the Old Quarter this month as a Stourbridge soprano prepares for her role in the world premiere of Jayne Eyre - the opera.

Lorraine Payne has been singing for 21 years with Birmingham amateur opera company Midland Opera, taking on more than 15 principal roles, but she says she never planned on trying to become a professional singer.

However - within just two weeks of taking time off the stage to concentrate on her graphic design business - opportunity knocked when she was approached to audition for the world premiere of Jayne Eyre, which is being recorded live at Birmingham's Ruddock Hall for a CD.

On the recommendation of Birmingham Post and Opera Magazine's Chris Morley, she was invited to the home of the internationally-acclaimed composer John Joubert, in Moseley, where she sang for him and, to her astonishment, was selected to sing two roles - that of Leah, a housekeeper, and Mary Rivers of Thornleigh Abbey - alongside international opera stars.

Lorraine, aged 49, of South Avenue, said she was "extremely excited" to be given the chance to share the stage with professionals in the English Symphony Orchestra production which will be staged on Tuesday October 25 at 7.30pm.

She told the News: "Just when I thought I’d take a break from opera, I find myself alongside world class singers with a stunning score in my hands, and with a major UK orchestra at the ready. I’m still pinching myself."

Tickets for the premiere are available from the box office of Ruddock Hall, Edgbaston Park Road, on 0121 472 9585.