Like father, like son for Pinocchio play

MARK Whiteley and son Billy Whiteley who are appearing together in Pinocchio

BILLY Whiteley is about to become a chip off the old block as he performs alongside his dad in the tale of the wooden puppet Pinocchio.

Eleven-year-old Billy and his playwright and producer dad Mark Whiteley, from Springhead, are to star together in the popular story which sees Pinocchio brought to life but is told to be good to prove himself worthy of being a "real boy".

Mark will play Geppetto in the Hard Graft production at Oldham Library and Uppermill Civic Hall while Billy is set for the role of Lampwick, the cheeky waif who befriends Pinocchio on Pleasure Island.

Billy certainly has theatre in his blood. Aside from his award-winning dad, his gran is TV actress Judith Barker and his grandad is actor, director and former Coliseum artistic director, Kenneth Alan Taylor.

"Billy has been acting for some years now, on television and with his grandmother's theatre classes at Saddleworth Drama centre," said Mark.

"I suppose it must run in the family. With Judith Barker as your gran, Kenneth Alan Taylor as your grandad and me as your dad, you're going to have some sort of talent for performing.

"Billy has been working with us for years, generally backstage and front of house. He was there when we did out Manchester Theatre award-winning show Thick As Thieves and again last year when we presented Grass."

Billy added: "I'm really excited. Not only do I get to perform with my dad, but I get a lift home too!"

The production also sees the return of Alex Phelps who appeared in last year's production of Red Riding Hood as the wolf and introduces young talent Danielle Dawson and Bethany-Jo Clews.

Infinity Dance is also set to perform.

Pinocchio is running from December 8-17, at Oldham Library and December 22-24, at Uppermill Civic Hall.

For further information and to book tickets, go to hardgraft.co.uk.