Sir Patrick Stewart offers support as Mirfield panto marks its 75th

Sir Patrick Stewart has sent his support to a pantomime group in West Yorkshire as it marks its 75th anniversary.

Mirfield Team Parish Pantomime was formed just after World War Two to entertain children in the town.

The actor, known for his roles in the X-men films and Star Trek, has said the group had given him the "confidence" to pursue his career.

The group said Sir Patrick appeared in their second production in 1949.

Dan Smith, 38, whose grandmother was a founder member of the pantomime in 1948, said the 83-year-old actor had sent them a letter on their 70th anniversary and a text to mark their 75th.

"He's always kept in touch, and he used to write to my grandmother," Mr Smith said.

"He has said the Mirfield panto gave him the confidence to go and become an actor."

Sir Patrick was born in Mirfield in 1940 and appeared in the group's production of Cinderella in 1949.

Mr Smith, who is playing one of the Ugly Sisters, said five generations of his family have been involved.

His great grandmother was in charges of costumes, his parents and brother have all had roles, and his nine-year-old daughter is in the chorus.

Paul Blakeley, 32, who is playing the other Ugly Sister, has been involved in the pantomime for 15 years.

"I have loved every minute of it, my favourite parts are the interaction with the audiences and making people laugh.

"Opening night went well, the audience seemed to find it hilarious though there were a few opening night mistakes including accidentally kicking someone in the face, my underskirt falling down and me knocking one of the props over.

"I'm starting to think I'm a bit of a liability!"

The group's latest production of Cinderella at St Mary's Hall in Mirfield runs until 10 February.

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