The opening performance of Bingley Little Theatre's 60th anniversary show had to go on - despite the leading man pulling out in the 11th hour.

Director Jonathan Scott had to step in at the last minute to take on the role of Petruchio in Shakespeare's The Taming of the Shrew on Sunday's opening night.

Actor Allan Hollings pulled out of the show earlier in the week due to illness and Mr Scott stepped in to his shoes.

Despite his best efforts, he was unable to fully learn the script and was forced to read from a book on stage.

But chairman Patricia Clough said he had done a sterling job. She said: "He did remarkably well. He has managed to learn a lot of the lines since Tuesday but he had to get the book out.

"He gave a good performance which was well received by everybody. It was just unfortunate that he had to do it and he did it very well, that is all you can ask.

"People enjoyed it and there were some excellent performances."

A star performer was Meg, the four-year-old greyhound, who wowed the audience in the first scenes of the Shakespeare play.

Mrs Clough said: "She wasn't fazed at all, it was lovely, she was standing there like a star.

"Shakespeare is not everyone's cup of tea, but this is a great production and I hope people will support it."

The show runs at Bingley Arts Centre until Saturday, with performances at 7.30pm. For tickets, call (01274) 432000.

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