DIRECTOR and producer of circballet Eclipse, Amanda Thompson hopes the Royal Gala performance of award winning Eclipse on Friday (September 10) will set a precedent for other members of the Royal Family.

Prince Andrew, pictured with Amanda and cast members, rounded off his tour of Blackpool Pleasure Beach in spectacular style after enjoying a champagne reception with representatives from the two charities who were benefiting from the night - the NSPCC and Manchester's Christie Hospital.

The Duke of York then settled into his seat, accompanied by Pleasure Beach owner Geoffrey Thompson, for the performance.

And, while flying Adonis Vladimir was enthralling the crowd, the Prince was applauding his aerial antics and the captivating energy put in by the rest of the cast.

Amanda said: "I certainly can't remember the last time there was a Royal Gala performance in Blackpool, so I think it's a credit to my father and everyone involved in getting Prince Andrew to come along.

"Perhaps now members of the Royal Family can bring the rest of their family to see our other productions. "

Performer Karen Rose said: "This is a performance I will always remember. There was a real buzz on the night and we were all very excited because we knew he was going to speak to us at the end."

Vocalist Ian Meeson agreed: "After he had met us all he turned round and said how much he had enjoyed the show and thanked us all.

"He was very nice and this was a great honour for myself and Blackpool Pleasure Beach."

Owner Geoffrey Thompson also enjoyed the night, which included a meal and auction in the Paradise Room, and was all smiles when he danced the night away with his daughter Amanda.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.