Christmas has come early for one Blackpool Grand Theatre staff member as he steps up to join the famous Sleeping Beauty panto cast!

Lenny Ryan, aged 18, is a member of the Grand Theatre’s busy front-of-house team and was more than happy to swap his usher’s torch for the spotlight and dance onto the famous stage for yesterday’s performances (Thursday 22 December) when there was a sudden cast opening!

The smash-hit pantomime’s Prince Philip, Josh Belward, was taken ill with a nasty winter bug and it was all hands on deck from the Grand Theatre team! Accomplished actor Tomas Alsop stepped up from the talented dancers’ troupe to star as the dashing Prince, while trained dancer Lenny happily slipped into Tom’s dancing shoes! After all, the show must go on…

Local resident Lenny learned his craft at the renowned Barbara Jackson School of Dance and has been watching the smash-hit family show every day since it opened in December to rave reviews. Lenny said:

I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and so pleased to be performing in my hometown – my favourite place!

Adam Knight, Grand Theatre Chief Executive, said:

We are delighted for Lenny and the opportunity that has presented itself. To have such talent waiting in our own wings shows the aspiring talent of our team members.

Sleeping Beauty is at Blackpool Grand Theatre until Sunday 1 January 2023 with matinee and evening performances. Tickets from £22. Group rates and family of four tickets are available.

Click HERE to book your tickets or call the Box Office on 01253 290190.