AT the age of 66, Tommy Steele says he is facing the biggest stage challenge of his life to play the title role in Scrooge at Newcastle's Theatre Royal next month.
When others are considering bus passes and retirement, Steele said he was tricked into taking on the all-singing, all-dancing role of Ebenezer Scrooge by theatre production company boss Bill Kenwright, who suggested the two work together for the first time in 50 years.
"I thought he meant a six-week run over Christmas somewhere, but the contract turned out to be a six-month tour.
"Bill said it would be all right because, apart from the last 15 minutes, I could play myself," he joked.
The performer arrived at the Theatre Royal yesterday to meet some of the Stagecoach children who will be taking roles in Scrooge.
The musical will run from October 27 to November 8.
For box office information on Scrooge, call 0870 905 5060
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