Carlisle United boss Paul Simpson has spoken of his pride at son Dom's latest starring role in the West End.
Simpson says he missed this week's reserve game so he could watch Dom performing in the opening night of Moulin Rouge! The Musical in London.
It is the latest top role for the United manager's youngest son, who also starred in Book of Mormon.
Simpson senior said he could not turn down the chance to watch his son at the Piccadilly Theatre - even if it meant missing Tuesday's Central League Cup game against Blackpool.
"I missed the game on Tuesday for selfish reasons, I accept that, but you don’t often get a chance to see your son open Moulin Rouge on the West End," said Simpson.
"I was there and it was a definite proud parent moment, I was chuffed to be there."
Dom plays Christian in the new West End production, having previously played Elder Price in Book of Mormon in London and New York.
His father said there are parallels with football in the way Dom has worked his way up the musical theatre ladder.
"Dom spend just under two years in New York on Broadway as an understudy to the lead in Book of Mormon," said Simpson, speaking to United's official channels.
"He had to sit every single day ready to go and perform. He had to warm up then go back to his dressing room and sit and wait in case anything happened to the guy who was playing Elder Price.
"He waited for months and months ready for it. He got a knock on the dressing room door towards the end of Act 1 saying Nick, the lead, had been sick so he was going on at the start of Act 2.
"That’s how I relate it to football. All our lads who had to play at Penrith this week or went to Wigan, Blackburn, Middlesbrough and played against [Nottingham] Forest [U21s] have to be ready.
"It’s a similar thing to being an understudy, Dom had to do it for 18 months, nearly two years, then had to go and perform in front of 1,500 people who had paid money to go and see you.
"That’s how I relate it, it’s a good example of being a professional. I looked at what he went through in New York and now he’s got that opportunity.
"I hope players understand that it’s not a real hardship to be out of the side, but you’ve got to make sure you’re ready.
"I hope there’s a chance that comes up for them and they’re ready to go and take it like Dom has."
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