WEST END CALL FOR ANDY

From Lytham Hall to London’s West End. That’s the exciting prospect for Lytham St. Annes actor Andy Cooke who will be appearing in the fourth open air play of the season, Dan Leno – A Royal Jester, at Lytham Hall on Saturday 24 August.

Andy plays the role of doctor to Dan Leno, a world star in the era of Victorian Music Hall. The play tells the poignant story of Leno’s life and death and is set in a mental asylum. BBC Radio Lancashire presenter and comedian Steve Royle plays the title role in a drama written and produced by Blackpool’s David Slattery-Christy.

Following a premiere at last summer’s Lytham Festival and an acclaimed tour this summer which culminates in the outdoor performance at Lytham Hall, Andy Cooke will again be part of the cast of five as the show has a showcase performance at a West End theatre in London next year.

Trading Standards officer Andy is looking forward to the performance at Lytham Hall and delighted by the prospect of taking the show to London.

“We have greatly enjoyed playing three Lancashire venues, as well as theatres in Stratford and Eastbourne this summer where legendary entertainer Roy Hudd honoured us by attending our performance.

It will be a challenge playing in the open air at Lytham Hall, but I know we can expect a responsive audience at a wonderful venue. The news of the London show is very exciting……just when we thought it was all over!”

Julian Wilde, organiser of the Lytham Hall season, who has seen Andy in a variety of leading roles in local amdram productions for the past fifteen years feels that his performance in Dan Leno is first class.

“Andy and the rest of the cast provide superb support for Steve Royle as Dan Leno and create a genuine and moving drama, rather than just a one man show. Many Fylde coast amdram supporters will be at Lytham Hall and are thrilled to hear of his success. “

Full details of the date and theatre for the London show are expected to be announced in the autumn.