Ramsbottom youngsters set for panto stardom

12:47pm Friday 10th October 2008

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TWO youngsters from Ramsbottom are taking their first steps to stardom after winning parts in a high-profile pantomime.

Connor Ryan, 15, and 10-year-old Kieran Farnworth have been chosen to star in an action-packed festive production of Peter Pan at Manchester Opera House in December and January.

The duo will be appearing alongside former Hollyoaks actress Gemma Atkinson, Cold Feet actor John Thomson and radio presenter Mike Toolan.

Their achievement is particularly impressive for both boys, who go to Stage Door acting school in Ramsbottom, as it was their first ever professional audition.

Kieran, of Regent Street, goes to Tottington Primary School and has landed the role of Michael.

His proud mum Hayley said: “It is fantastic news for Kieran and the family.

“He has always been an outgoing child – even when he was very young we would go to Butlins and he would never be off the stage. He loves to entertain. We are all very proud of him because it’s his first audition and he really puts the work in. It shows how passionate he is about acting.”

Connor, of Bolton Road West, will be playing Tootle, the leader of the Lost Boys.

His mum Sheila said he is so good at acting, it’s hard to tell when he’s in character mode.

She said: “After his audition, he was on the phone to me being all down and glum and I thought he hadn’t got the part, but then when I met him he told me the good news – it’s really hard to tell when he’s acting and joking around.

“He is so dedicated though. He goes to two sessions a week at Stage Door and really puts his heart and soul into it.

“The producers are being very supportive and have said they will make sure Connor gets enough breaks as the show goes on because there are 50 odd different performances over the month.”

Though it will be their biggest stage appearance to date, both boys landed lead roles in a performance earlier this year of Blunderland in Bolton.

Peter Pan runs from December 6 until January 4 with shows at 2.30pm and 7pm each day except Sunday, when shows are at 1pm and 5pm. Call 0844 847 2277 for tickets.