ST Philip's AODS have cast Eddie Smith in the leading role of Don Quixote in their next production The Man of La Mancha.

Although a newcomer to the society, Eddie is well established in the amateur stage world.

Eddie's singing career started 40 years when he sang in his church choir. He joined an amateur theatre production at the age of 15 when he played a page in a production of Iolanthe.

Since then, he has been a leading player with St Mary's RC AODS, Adlington Music and Arts Society and Chorley Little Theatre.

Among the many roles he has played are Sky Masterson in Guys and Dolls; Emile in South Pacific; the Pirate King in The Pirates of Penzance and Professor Higgins in My Fair Lady. He considers the last role as his favourite part to date.

Recently Eddie created the role of Eli in the new oratorio Samuel, which played to a capacity audience at Manchester's Bridgewater Hall.

Despite his wealth of experience he still considers the dual role of Cervantes/Quixote in Man of La Mancha to be a challenge.

"The role is not easy," he said. "You effectively have to play two characters and be convincing in both of them.

"But the challenging nature of the show makes it very exciting to be involved with and also gives me the opportunity to sing The Impossible Dream which more than compensates for all the hard work."

Man of La Mancha will be staged at St Philip's Parochial Hall from September 24 to 27 at 7.30pm. Booking forms can be obtained from Mrs Holt on on 01204 524800.

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