By John Connell

Last updated at 11:26, Saturday, 10 November 2012

A west Cumbrian actor involved in a star-studded West End production is returning to Cumbria to see his pantomime performed for the first time.

Clark Wilkinson in his StagedRight role at 17

Flimby-born Clark Wilkinson is working as an assistant stage manager on Bill Kenwright’s production of Scrooge the Musical starring Tommy Steele which opened at The London Palladium last week.

But 22-year-old Clark who lives and works in London, has also written this year’s festive offering for the Workington and District Amateur Musical Society (WADAMS).

Dick Whittington and His Pantomime Adventure will be performed in Workington’s Carnegie Theatre from Boxing Day until December 30.

Clark, who is studying stage management at Rose Bruford College, is thrilled to be coming home on Christmas Day in order to see the show’s opening two performances.

He said: “To have my first pantomime performed in Workington is a real honour.

“The show is crammed full of laughs, jokes and songs for the whole family to enjoy and I can’t wait to see my script being performed by a fabulous group.

“Working on Scrooge makes it impossible for me to get to any of WADAMS rehearsals so the first time I will see the show will be on opening night along with the other audience members which adds to the excitement.”

He wrote the script and decided what songs to include while travelling back and forth on the train between London and Cumbria. Clark played the title role of Ebenezer Scrooge at The Sands Centre in StagedRight Youth theatre’s production of Scrooge in 2008.

The 2012 WADAMS panto is aiming to be the biggest and best yet, featuring music from Hairspray, Mamma Ma, We will

Rock You, Soho Cinders and Legally Blond.

Philip Martin-White, publicity manager for WADAMS, said the society was delighted that Clark was working with them and hoped he would continue to do so.

Tickets are on sale now from The Carnegie Theatre Box Office on 01900 602122 or through the website at www.wadams.org.uk.

The production follows the fortune of a Seaton-born Dick Whittington who travels to London to seek his fortune after hearing rumours that the streets are paved with gold.

It has been directed by Eric Finlay with musical direction by Bob Daglish, and choreography by Victoria Sharples, Lisa Mckenzie and Hayley Blacklock who takes the title role.

First published at 10:37, Saturday, 10 November 2012
Published by http://www.newsandstar.co.uk