9:45am Thursday 26th November 2009
A WHITEFIELD soldier on leave from Afghanistan played his own “starring role” when he attended a glitzy premiere in the heart of London’s theatreland.
Paul Doyle rubbed shoulders with the stars of Marilyn & Ella which is being staged at the capital’s Apollo Theatre until this Sunday.
The 30-year-old, on a two-week rest and recuperation spell, was invited by the production team and Marilyn & Ella writer, Bonnie Greer, to attend the show’s first night in his uniform.
He helped raise awareness of fundraising for the Help for Heroes charity which assists wounded troops.
The highlight of the night was when Paul, a Bury Grammar School “old boy”, met actress Suzie Kennedy, who plays Marilyn Monroe in the production.
The musical explores the friendship of two icons, Monroe and singer Ella Fitzgerald.
Paul served eight years with the Grenadier Guards before leaving four years ago. Since then, he has been involved in logistics in the North West.
But earlier this year, he was mobilised through the reserves to go back to his regiment, the 1st Battalion of the Grenadier Guards, for a tour of Afghanistan.
Once he finishes, Paul will return to his civilian job in logistics.
© Copyright 2001-2010 Newsquest Media Group
http://www.prestwichandwhitefieldguide.co.uk