WILKINSON has long been a revered name with St Joseph's Players.

And now a new Wilkinson is about to make his mark on the stage.

Michael, 28, has been at the sound controls with the Leigh company for this year's early productions - a pantomime and two plays.

But he been snared by director Doreen Johnson for a place in the spotlight in next month's J B Priestley drama "Time And The Conways".

"It will be my first time on stage," he said. "Before this I always managed to find a way out.

"But I'm enjoying every minute of rehearsals."

Michael will be following his mother on the stage.

Alice Wilkinson, who died last year, was one of the company's most popular and accomplished actresses.

"Time And The Conways" - to be staged from September 16-19 - forms the first half of St Joseph's Players Autumn Double.

From October 7-10 the accent switches to comedy with Alan Ayckbourn's "Table Manners".

Tickets (£3) for both plays are available at Boardman's Outfitters, Bradshawgate, Leigh.

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