Christmas came early for one Blackpool Grand Theatre staff member when he stepped up to join the Sleeping Beauty pantomime cast.
Lenny Ryan, aged 18, is a member of the theatre’s front of house team but was more than happy to swap his usher’s torch for the spotlight and dance on stage for a performance when there was a sudden cast opening.
Prince Philip, Josh Belward, was taken ill so Tomas Alsop stepped up from the dance troupe, while trained dancer Lenny slipped into Tom’s dancing shoes!
As always, the show must go on…
Lenny learned his craft at the Barbara Jackson School of Dance and had been watching the show every day since it opened.
Meanwhile, bookings are now open for next year’s panto Aladdin from December 1 to January 1 again starring Britain’s Got Talent finalist Steve Royle as Wishee Washee.
Further casting to be announced. Keep your dance shoes handy Lenny!