Dan set to make dream debut as the Maine man (From Warrington Guardian)

Dan set to make dream debut as the Maine man

12:22pm Thursday 16th July 2009 in Search By Guardian correspondent

A RISING star has snapped up the chance to play stage lead only weeks before curtain call.

Dan Fitzsimons has bagged the main role in Sarah McDonald Hughes’ Maine Road, a production by critically acclaimed Monkeywood Theatre.

The Shackleton Close, Old Hall, resident recently received an HNC from Manchester’s prestigious Arden Theatre School.

And it was good fortune as well as raw talent that helped Dan get this part, his professional career debut.

The role had already been filled but a television job lured the original actor away leaving the production crew searching for a new lead.

Marie Critchley, Dan’s tutor, and his character’s mum in the play, singled him out as an excellent actor prompting Monkeywood to invite him to auditions.

Set in 2003 at the end of Manchester City’s residenc at the hallowed football ground, the play follows the complex character of Leo, as he suffers the trauma of his own world disintegrating while the bulldozers move in on the stadium.

Due to turn 20 during the play’s run, the youngster admitted he is nervous but excited about tackling a difficult role.

His love of dramatic arts began in school, first attending Selby Street’s Sacred Heart Catholic Primary, School then St Gregory’s RC High School where he enjoyed taking part in amateur productions.

The chance to study performing arts came with A Levels at Priestley College.

Dan said “This is my first professional job so I’m looking forward to being on stage in front of a big audience and performing infront of friends and family.”

The play will be performed as part of Manchester’s 24:7 Theatre Festival at Pure: Funktion, The Printworks, from Monday to Saturday.