Stepping in for Harry Potter star

He may look like an overgrown schoolboy but Martyn Rolfe's decision to tread the boards in a youth theatre group productions has ensured that months of rehearsal have not gone down the drain.

Harry Potter actor Chris Rankin had been due to take the lead role of Ugly in the Dereham Operatic Society Youth Theatre production of the musical production Honk! starting on Tuesday April. But last-minute changes in the filming schedule of the latest Potter movie - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets - mean the teenager is not available for the second night of the show.

Instead of cancelling the date, Martyn, who is director, decided to take on the role for one night only.

Martyn, 46, said: "It's so unfortunate. Chris had made an agreement with Warner Brothers that he would not be able to film for particular days. But then on Monday Chris got the call from Warner Brothers to say that he was needed for filming on Wednesday. We already missed one night out during the run because of Chris's filming commitments and didn't want to cancel another - so the only solution was for me to take to the stage."

For his appearance Martyn, who has been rehearsing with the group since just after Christmas, will be wearing a grey school uniform complete with shorts, socks and cap.

"For some people to see a 46-year-old on the stage dressed as a schoolboy will be very funny but I just couldn't let the cast down. They have all worked so hard and, as I know the role better than anyone after Chris, it seemed the most sensible thing to do. I have a certain fear about having to play a newly-born swan but the rest of the cast smiled and clapped when I said I was going to do it. But I have been on the stage for 30 years and should be able to cope."

Chris, who will be making one of his last appearances with the group, said: "It's a bit of a pain. The bigwigs at Warner Brothers said they would do their best to keep it free, but two days ago I received the call to say I was needed for filming."

The Dereham Sixth Form student said: "It's good that Martyn is going to do it and I'm sure he will cope."

Chris will play the role of Ugly as planned on Tuesday, Friday and Saturday in the production, which takes up the Ugly Duckling story where Hans Christian Andersen left off.

With a new book and lyrics by Anthony Drewe and music by George Stiles, Honk! has enjoyed two critically-acclaimed seasons in the West End.

Drewe has introduced a clutch of new characters, including an Army squad of geese led by their pompous commanding officer, and a pampered chicken who lives in the farmhouse.

Tickets cost from £3.50 for the Saturday matinee to £6.50 for the Saturday night (concessions available). Ring the box office at Sounds, Nunns Way, Dereham, on 01362 696995.

Article taken from EDP 24.