Good for James as he nabs Harry’s star role

James Dangerfield has been cast by director Oliver Gray to play Henry in Illyria’s production which will be at the Hall on Tuesday July 3, the second play in this summer’s outdoor season.

James, 25 , was educated at King Edward and Queen Mary School, Lytham and Durham University before studying musical theatre at London’s Guildhall School of Acting.

James is delighted to be tackling a role made famous by Sir Lawrence Olivier and Kenneth Branagh on stage and film, and is looking forward to a return visit to his home town.

“This is a major challenge for me and is very different from the part of Frederick in Pirates of Penzance which I played for Illyria last summer or the pantomime at Worthing last Christmas,” he said.

“Performing in front of my own family and friends will make it a very special evening for me.”

Illyria comes to the Fylde coast as part of a tour of 55 performances at 50 different open air in 85 days which begins at Ness Botanic Gardens on the Wirral.

Julian Wilde, organiser of the outdoor theatre season, feels that many local theatre enthusiasts will be keen to see James in his biggest role yet.

“James established his reputation by some fine performances at KEQMS and the Lytham Academy of Theatre Arts and it is excellent to see him doing so well in his professional career,” he said.

“Henry V is a very demanding role and it will be interesting to see how director Oliver Gray presents the play with the usual Illyria cast of only five actors. I think we are in for a memorable evening.”

Blackpool Brass Band will provide support for a performance which is already attracting good ticket sales.

For more details of the show and tickets go to www.uk.illyria.com or www.lythamhall.co.uk or ring Lytham Hall (01253) 736652.