Show preview: The Rex Roman Pink Floyd Show in Chorley and Blackburn (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Show preview: The Rex Roman Pink Floyd Show in Chorley and Blackburn

12:30pm Friday 12th March 2010

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A FORMER policeman is returning to Lancashire in his new role – as an actor and entertainer.

Retired inspector Clive Cope, 53, who at the peak of his career was force incident manager for Lancashire, took the leap to follow his stage dream in 2006.

He is now appearing as part of the ensemble cast in The Rex Roman Pink Floyd Musical Comedy Show, coming to Chorley and Blackburn as part of a UK tour.

Bury-born Clive said: “Acting and entertaining is in the blood, I have had a lot of support and it is a chance to follow my dream.

“I’m looking forward to people seeing me but I’m hoping no-one will remember me for locking them up!

“I hope some officers I worked with will come and see the show – it’s unique.

“I’m having the best time of my life. It’s a world away from knocking on people’s doors delivering bad news.

“Acting is rewarding in a different way. At the end of the night, people stand up and applaud.”

After leaving the force, Clive began working as an ‘extra’ until a director spotted him and created a role specifically for him.

He has appeared in a number of police roles but before acting full-time he was a compere for after-dinner functions for charities.

He said: “Other actors see my 31 years’ experience in the force as an advantage and there’s no substitute for trying things yourself.

“I’m really excited about the show being in the area as it gives me the chance to appear on stage in front of friends and family.

"Of course, there may also be some former customers who might recognise me from my past life, but I hope that everyone will be captivated by the show and not my previous life in uniform.”

The Rex Roman Pink Floyd Show is a fast-paced nostalgic musical comedy about the moving story of British actor Rex Roman, whose life was influenced by Pink Floyd and how he conquered the world of rock armed with a household cleaning tool.

* The Rex Roman Pink Floyd Show is at Chorley's Little Theatre on Friday, March 12, 7.30pm, £12; Saturday, March 13, 2.30pm, £6; Saturday, March 13, 7.30pm £12; Blackburn’s Thwaites Empire Theatre on March 14. Tickets £12.50.