Harrogate squash champion James Willstrop swaps his racquet for role in the Phoenix Players' Production of The Great British Bake-Off Musical - and there won't be a dry eye in the house
Former Commonwealth Games Squash champion and most capped England player, James Willstrop, will be swapping his racquet for a whisk and the squash court for a tent when he plays Ben, a hopeful contestant in the Harrogate Phoenix Players’ production of The Great British Bake-Off Musical later this month.
James has a lifelong passion for acting and says: “At school if I got a part, it lit the fire and it was a great feeling.”
He joined the Phoenix Players four years ago to play Gomez in their critically-acclaimed production of The Addams Family.
He played the lovable Tin Man in last year’s revival of The Wizard of Oz.
It was a very busy year for James as he also took his one-man autobiographical show Daddy, Tomorrow Will I Be a Man?to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Inspired by the music of Sondheim and Eminem, he describes his story as being real and true, looking at the push and pull between being a father and being a champion.
As the father of two sons, James says he can relate to Ben as a devoted family man trying to do his best for those he loves.
Entered into the competition by his daughter, Lily, he finds solace in following the recipes created by his late wife.
Lily is played with confidence and charm by Mabel Stoner. Having lost her mum, Lily worries that her Dad is slipping away from her too.
He is not taking care of himself, wears the same shirt every day and spends too much time alone in his shed.
Lily thinks that Ben may be ready to move on – but is she?
“Ben and Lily's heartfelt duet My Dad is an emotional highlight of the show. Beautifully sung by James and Mabel, there won't be a dry eye in the house,” said a Phoenix spokesperson.
The Great British Bake-off Musical is on at Harrogate Theatre from Wednesday March 18 until Saturday March 21, daily at 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm.
Tickets: 01423 502116 and online at: https://www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk/events/the-great-british-bake-off-musical/
The Harrogate Phoenix Players are delighted to be sponsored by Mama Doreen’s Emporium and are proud to support Martin House Hospice.