STATESIDE stardom is set to ensure a former Blackpool man can fulfil his acting dream in his old home town.

Michael Savage is now the co-producer of Looking Glass, by the California-based Theatre Brillig, which he hopes to bring to Blackpool as part of the Guinness Pub Theatre competition.

Michael was trained at the Whittaker School of Dance and Drama when he was a youngster in the resort, but always got stage fright while there.

He said: "When I was growing up in Blackpool and studying at the Whittaker school I was too shy to let my family come and see me in productions, even when I played Bill Sykes in Oliver at the Grand.

"Now my mum is in ill health and cannot travel to see any of my stage performances.

"But if I do a show in Blackpool she can have the best seat in the house."

Now all Michael needs to make his dream come true is a venue in the Fylde - and the competition rules say he needs a pub which serves Guinness and one other United Distillers Brand.

In a message to the Fylde's landlords, Michael says: "By agreeing to extend to us the use of your function room for a production of the play from August 3-9, 1997, you are assuring yourself of an increase in business and a little something different for your patrons to enjoy."

Any landlords interested in taking part can call Michael on 001 818 841 4563, or fax him on 001 818 558 7615, or write to Caroline Roffey at the Citizen Newsdesk, St Annes Buildings, Clifton Drive North, St Annes FY8 2NA.

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