I’ve landed a panto part... oh yes I have

Oct 2 2008 by Gary Fanning, Hamilton Advertiser

A YOUNG schoolboy’s dreams have come true after he landed a starring role in one of this year’s top Christmas pantos.

Budding actor Paul Kenny (9) will take centre stage when he performs in this year’s spectacular festive production, ‘The Wizard Of Never Woz’, at the Pavillion Theatre in Glasgow.

The P5 pupil will have stars in his eyes when he rubs shoulders with some household names, including top entertainer Dean Park, comedian and Clyde One breakfast star Des McLean, Real Radio’s Cat Harvey and actress Joyce Falconer, best known as Roisin McIntyre in River City.

Paul, a pupil at St John The Baptist Primary in Uddingston, beat off strong competition to land the part as a Munchkin in the Christmas show

The youngster was jumping for joy after landing the part.

His mum Anne-Marie, dad Peter (40), a self-employed businessman, and five-year-old sister Lauren, are proud of Paul’s acting achievements so far already.

Anne-Marie (41), who lives in Bothwell, said: “We have taken him to the Pavillion for many years and he has always wanted to perform on that stage. Now his dream has come true.

“Now he has had to pinch himself and can’t wait for the rehearsals to begin.”

Paul’s busy schedule will begin soon and he will take part in 20 of the 77 live shows but he is no stranger to the limelight.

He has already performed in a production of Oliver at the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow and has just landed a part in a new production of the Charles Dickens’ classic, also in the Pavillion Theatre next month.

Paul is one of the orphans who becomes one of Fagin’s band of thieves in the show that takes place from November 18 to November 23.

Now he hoping to follow in the footsteps of his hero and Pirates of the Caribbean star Johnny Depp and make it all the way to Hollywood.

AnneMarie added: “We took him on a family holiday to California.

“He was looking at all the star’s names in Holywood’s famous Walk of Fame and was measuring his hands with some of his idols.

“Paul likes singing, dancing and musicals and all he wants to do is perform on stage.

“We are all very proud of him and looking forward to seeing him at the Pavillion.”

‘The Wizard Of Never Woz’ will run at the Pavillion from December 3 to January 24.