AN EAST Lancashire actress is hoping to take the stage by storm as she stars in a comedy musical about UKIP at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe next month.

Katy Oliver, who learned her acting craft at the Pendle Hippodrome Youth Theatre, will appear in UKIP! The Musical following successful preview shows in London.

The musical pokes fun at the party’s controversial leader, Nigel Farage, and the gaffes his colleagues made in the run up to the general election. With songs given titles such as Bongo Bongo Land, Let’s Pull Up The Drawbridge, and Europa You Raped Her, the show is described as a ‘rollicking satirical swipe’ at the political party.

The former Burnley Mechanics barmaid will play several characters, including London Mayor Boris Johnson and other politicians, Europa - the embodiment of the European Union - and a travelling actor.

The show has already generated good reviews and looks set to be a hit in Edinburgh.

Katy, 27, from Pendle said: I’m really excited about it. It’s a challenge playing lots of different roles, and it’s all fast-paced and quite surreal, but it’s wonderful to be part of an ensemble piece.

“It’s got a good buzz about it and it’s great fun with all the singing and dancing.”

In the show the Euro-sceptic Nigel Farage unwittingly becomes the President of Europe. He is described as ‘tormented by feelings of impotence and inadequacy’ and is visited by the ghosts of politicians. The song, Bongo Bongo Land, is based on former MEP Godfrey Bloom’s controversial comments criticising the UK’s foreign aid budget.

“It steers away from a factual telling of the party and its election results as it’s more of a fictional tale,” said Katy. “But whether you love or hate UKIP, Nigel Farage is a charismatic character.”

The Burnley-born actress got involved with the show through studying for an MA in Text and Performance at RADA along with writer and director, Cath Day and Jessica Williams.

Nigel Farage was invited to a preview show, but said he couldn’t attend, offering a message of ‘break a leg’ to the writer.

Katy will play Boris Johnson in some of the Edinburgh performances.

“I’ve got a great wig and I’ve been watching him on YouTube to get the walk and the hand movements right,” she said.

And after the Edinburgh shows, Katy hopes the musical will transfer to London’s West End and tour the UK.

“I would love to bring it to Lancashire. UKIP got so many votes at the election and you can’t put all those people in the one box so it’d be good to see what reaction it gets.”

UKIP! The Musical, produced by the Hell Bent Theatre Company, will run from August 7-29 at the Surgeons’ Hall in Edinburgh.