SUPERSUB Adam Dakin went from backroom boy to star of the show when he stepped in to save a recent performance of Cinderella at Derby's Assembly Rooms.
Due to the recent heavy snow and ice, star Neil Morrissey had a race against the clock to travel into the city in time for the start of the matinee performance of the pantomime on January 2 but help was at hand.
Adam Dakin, the assistant stage man
ager on the production, stepped into Buttons's shoes at the very last minute to save the day, so the 900-strong audience wouldn't be disappointed.
Adam, of Rowditch, in Derby, said: "It all happened in the space of about 20 minutes before the show. When I was asked to go on I didn't hesitate to step up to the plate.
"I felt a rush of excitement and fear…and then I was suddenly on stage in Neil's costume in what felt like the blink of an eye.
"It is part of my job to know the show inside out and it's moments like this that put your knowledge of the script to the ultimate test."
However, due to Neil Morrissey efforts to travel to the Assembly Rooms in time for the performance, he managed to arrive at the theatre at the end of the first act with the audience being treated to a unique two-Buttons performance when Neil donned his costume again for the second act.
Cinderella, which ended its run on Sunday, has proved to be the most successful Derby Live Assembly Rooms pantomime ever and has broken box office records.
By the end of the run, more than 40,000 people had seen a performance.
