AN actor from Horwich is living his dream of performing, thanks to talent, determination and a helping hand from Hollywood star Sir Ian McKellen.

Daniel Bolton landed a part in the current tour of Fiddler on the Roof, appearing alongside Starsky and Hutch legend Paul Michael Glaser, when he graduated from a prestigious performing arts college in July.

He had twice secured a place at Laine Theatre Arts in Surrey, but could not get funding to cover the cost of £15,000 a year fees plus living costs.

After applying for a number of grants, working at Disneyland Paris for eight months, Smithills Hall and a call centre, the 23-year-old finally found enough to take up his place at the school.

Mr Bolton, who was also supported by organisations including Horwich Rotary Club and St Philips Junior Workshop, said: “I was looking for any means to do the training. I wrote off to charities and people like Sir Ian McKellen.

“He wrote me a cheque for £250 and said good luck. It was amazing when I opened that letter from him, signed by him.”

Now he is playing Fyedka in Fiddler on the Roof, directed and choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing judge Craig Revel Horwood and starring acclaimed actor, director and writer Paul Michael Glaser, in the lead role of Tevye. Mr Bolton, who went to Rivington and Blackrod High School, said: “It’s been amazing. It’s been a bit of a roller coaster since graduating.

“It’s just a bit bizarre that it’s my job. I go into work every day and perform in front of thousands of people, stood next to Paul Michael Glaser and directed by Craig Revel Horwood.”

He caught the acting bug, at the age of 10, as a member of Horwich AODS and also performed with Bolton Premier Productions, BCMCS, St Philips Junior Workshop and attended the Frances Bleasdale School of Dance.

After he secured funding to cover the first year of his three-year course, he impressed theatre school staff and was given a Dance and Drama Award.

His first role since graduating is taking him across the country, including a run last week at The Lowry, Salford Quays, where dozens of friends, family and supporters watched the show.

He said: “It’s nice to go back. They were another big help with funding, through The Eric Simm award. They gave £3,000 in the end towards my training which was an amazing help. It’s been a long slog but it’s amazing.”

This week Fiddler on the Roof plays to audiences in Canterbury and the tour ends in Northampton in April. Mr Bolton said: “It’s amazing to be given this part straight after graduating because I get to sing, act, dance and play my guitar.”

On working with TV legend, Mr Glaser, who played David Starsky in the 1970s US cop thriller, he said: “He’s just a lovely, lovely man. At work, he is just Paul. It’s a really nice atmosphere.”