IT can be a pretty tough task for any actor learning their lines for a play.

But for one Swansea thespian the challenge has been more demanding, as his script has been learnt through braille.

Paul Johnson, who has been blind since birth, will perform his debut acting role when he plays a newly-wed woman in The Legend of the Pontlliw Werewolf.

The 34-year-old said he was a little apprehensive about taking part in the play at first, as he has never done any acting before.

"I have done public speaking and read poetry work on stage, as well as volunteering on Radio Tircoed two days a week," he said.

"But I have never done anything like this before. It has been challenging and I never thought I would learn my lines.

"But I have gone over them and over them again and feel confident enough. It was challenging remembering when and where to come in as well, but everybody has been so supportive.

"There is a scene where I have to run on stage, and I was a bit apprehensive about that.

"But I have not fallen off the stage yet!"

"I imagined doing something like this before, and now my dreams have come true."

Mr Johnson, of Bonymaen Road, Bonymaen, said he hoped he would be seen as a role model for other people with disabilities who are interested in the performing arts.

He added: "In school I was always told I would never get anywhere in life.

Dreams

"I have never let my disability get me down, and I hope I can prove to others that you can do whatever you want to. Although you have a disability, you can still follow your dreams."

The play, written and directed by Tony Poultyn, of Chad Productions, will be performed in Pontlliw Village Hall tonight and Saturday.

Mr Johnson said he found it strange wearing make-up for his role.

"I was not looking forward to wearing my make-up," he said. "My mother has become my make-up artist for the show. She joked that I should enter the Evening Post's Face of Swansea competition!

"If wearing make-up is good enough for Kevin Johns in panto then it is good enough for me."

And the actor said that while he had no immediate plans to join an amateur dramatics group, he would not rule out any future opportunities on the stage.

He said: "If I was offered a role I would definitely consider it. I tend to prefer comic roles and I have mastered a high voice for this part.

"I would like to do some acting again — let's see what comes along.

"I have really enjoyed myself doing this play and the cast have been really good to me.

"I don't find being blind has got in the way really, as I have had some good support.

"I have really enjoyed the experience and would like to do something like panto if it came along. It is fun and has developed my confidence further.

"I even have to sing, which I have never done before."

The play is based on the popular comedy Fawlty Towers and is set at a Pontlliw hotel.

Curtain Up, 7.30pm.

laura.davies@swwmedia.co.uk