BRIAN GRIFFIN is celebrating his Golden Jubilee with St Joseph's Players - in familiar backdoor style!

"You wouldn't believe the number of roles I have taken as a last-minute replacement," he laughed.

And he is back in pantomime next week...having stepped in again for an indisposed actor.

This time he has taken on the fun role of the Marmaduke for "Puss in Boots" which begins a fortnight's run on Tuesday.

And, for Brian, it begins his 50th year with St Joseph's Players in spectacular style.

"I joined the company in 1948," he said. "And I immediately began in pantomime, playing Roger in "Robinson Crusoe" the following January." Brian was last in panto for "The Blue Bird" in 1992 - again as a late replacement.

Fifty years on from Brian is 17-year-old Michael Lightford, preparing for his first panto with the company.

Michael, a student at St Mary's RC High, will be backing MD Rufus Bennett as the show's drummer.

The youngster knows both sides of the stage: last year he appeared as Man Friday in Tyldesley Little Theatre's "Robinson Crusoe".

Tickets for "Puss In Boots" are available at Boardman's on Bradshawgate, Leigh, or (Saturday evening and Sunday) at Leigh Asda.

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