Drama students saves charity panto
A Gawthorpe drama student has leapt to the rescue of a charity pantomime which looked set to fall on its heels.
Steven Clark, 19, of Bank Avenue, will squeeze into Dorothy's little red shoes for an upcoming rendition of The Wizard Of Oz, after the original actor dropped out with just weeks to go, after months of rehearsals.
Mr Clark said it has been a race against time – but his past experience of playing Edna in Hairspray will be invaluable.
He said: "Playing a woman is nothing new to me.
"But I am absolutely terrified about it all, as there are so many lines to learn and only a few weeks to go."
Mr Clark studies at Thornes Park College, and found out about the director's dilemma through a friend at the college.
He said the pantomime will be a welcome change to his routine.
He said: "I normally do more naturalistic things, so it's great to do something more light-hearted and funny. I went to watch pantos as a kid and have always wanted been interested in playing this sort of role."
The production, called Carry On Up The Yellow Brick Road, has been written and directed solely by Ackworth mum Catherine Clark, who will donate ticket money to Martin House, a children's hospice near Wetherby.
Ms Clark, 46, said: "It would have been a disaster if Steven hadn't stepped up to the mantle. I've had to organise this myself and didn't have a theatre group set up when I started, so it is a really big deal for me personally.
"He's great for the part and seems very chilled out about it all. He is good at picking up the lines. Finally everything is going to plan!"
The production will take place at Jesters bar at Ackworth Moor Top Club, Wakefield Road, at 7.30pm on April 30, 4pm on May 1 and 3.30pm on May 3.
Tickets cost 2.50 and are available on the door or by calling Catherine Clark on 07751 323552.
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Sunday 05 February 2012
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