Last night, a group of Dunedin men got a taste of the ''torture'' many women suffer most days, wedging their big hairy feet into dainty stiletto shoes.
It was part of the audition process for Musical Theatre Dunedin's next show, Priscilla Queen of the Desert, set to open in May.
As well as showing their singing and acting skills, they are expected to do a dance routine wearing high heels.
About 50 men turned up last night for the first stage of the week-long audition process.
Unlike many of the other men auditioning for the show, Dunedin actor and marketing consultant Ben Thomas has had experience wearing heels.
The 23-year-old wore them for a month while performing in the Rocky Horror Show in Hamilton last year.
''I can say, you're definitely grateful to take them off at the end of the night.
''I'm glad I don't have to wear them on a daily basis. I can definitely sympathise with women.
''Your feet feel like they've taken a real pounding. They're really sore. It's almost a form of torture.''
So why is he doing another show which involves wearing heels?
Mr Thomas said doing things that take you out of your comfort zone was all part and parcel of being an actor.
Director Doug Kamo said the cast was predominantly male and the amount of dancing was relentless.
So it was important to know if those auditioning could cope with the physical strain of wearing heels for long periods.
''There is a huge amount of time on stage where the male ensemble will be in heels, and the expectation in terms of being able to walk, move and dance exceptionally well, is really high.
''Ask any woman and they will tell you how uncomfortable it is wearing heels.
''It's not a natural thing for men to walk in this footwear.''
There would be a significant amount of time set aside during show rehearsals, to get the cast fit enough for their legs to cope.
''There's a huge learning curve for the cast to go through, to make it look natural and seamless.''
He said special heels had been made, so they were strong enough to stand up to the punishing weight of a fully grown man.
