RUFUS BENNETT has been named as Musical Director with St Joseph's Players.

And he is a man with a quicktime mission - prepare the team for pantomime within the next fortnight!

The former Lowton High student is excited by the prospect. "It's going to be a lot of fun," he said.

The panto - "Puss In Boots" - begins a fortnight's run on January 27 on the back of three months of solid rehearsal under director Doreen Johnson, who said: "Everyone is delighted to have Rufus on board."

It will be the second pantomime he has worked on this season, having already scored a notable success with Tyldesley Little Theatre.

Rufus, now an independent songwriter/producer working from his own Time Studios on Mather Lane, played with the Wigan Youth Orchestra in his younger days, then moved away to work on the Continent for some four years.

Back in the UK he co-wrote two shows, including the highly-successful "Zip Fly", appearing in festivals throughout the country.

"It's great to be working on Home Ground again," he said.

Tickets for the show are now selling fast at Boardman's Outfitters, Bradshawgate, Leigh, and (on Saturday evenings and Sundays) at Leigh Asda.

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