Des keeps his clothes on

But the dad-of-four will be keeping his clothes on for his first serious role when he plays the part of Crooks in Centre Stage Theatre Company’s Of Mice and Men which will begin tonight at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham.

Des, 50, who lives in 
Walton-le-Dale, near Preston, says: “I am very excited as this will be my first serious 
theatre role – and I will be keeping my clothes on for this one!

“However, I will be getting verbally abused because Of Mice and Men is set in the 1930s.

“I will be playing the part of Crooks who is a work hand in the barn and he shoes horses and mules and he is not allowed to fraternise with anyone because he is black.

“There is a lot of use of the ‘n’ word because that is how it was written.

“The producer asked me if I was all right with this and I said I was because it is being true to the times.

“The cast of the show are brilliant and I am really looking forward to it as it will be a really challenging role.

“I have to get my mindset into that of a black person who is just thankful to have a roof over his head and a job.”

Centre Stage Theatre Company is a new group on the Fylde Coast amateur theatre scene.

It was formed earlier this year by Chris Campbell and Lynda Clarkson.

John Steinbeck’s Of Mice and Men will be the first venture for the group.

It is the story of George Milton and Lennie Small who travel together working as casual labourers in the California Agricultural Belt of the 1930s.

Lynda Clarkson, director, said: “All our cast are consummate actors and the sheer power and energy they create carries the audience along and you can’t help but be moved by their performances.

The play is being done in a more intimate setting with the performers working close to the audience actually on the auditorium floor.

Of Mice and Men will be on tonight and tomorrow at 7.30pm at Lowther Pavilion in Lytham.

Tickets for all seats are £8 each.

Call the box office on 01253 794221.