Singer steps in to save show

A singer stepped in at late notice to save a local stage show - 90 minutes before it was due to start.

Carol Parkinson, of Thornhill, was getting ready leave for home to perform in the Batley Gilbert and Sullivan’s performance of The Mikado in Batley Town Hall last Thursday.

But chaos ensued when leading lady Anna Trent pulled out through illness.

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Mrs Parkinson, who was set to be a chorus member in the show, was asked to step into the role of leading lady.

She rushed to the town hall and after some last minute preparation, Mrs Parkinson was ready for the stage.

The show was due to start at 7.30pm but she received the call of Mrs Trent’s illness at 6pm.

The Thornhill singer had not played the part of Yum Yum in 14 years and it had been 18 years since she had last performed in a Batley G and S production.

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Mrs Parkinson needed only a couple of prompts throughout her performance, but walked off the stage to rapturous applause from the audience.

After her performance, an elated Mrs Parkinson said she had no real time to think about the challenge.

l Turn to page 33 for the review of The Mikado in Batley Town Hall.