Old Birkdalian enjoys acting success at the 2007 Edinburgh Fringe
11 September 2007
James Duckworth, who left Birkdale in 2006 and is now studying History and Politics at York University, recently took part in the National Student Drama Festival at the Edinburgh Fringe. Along with a group of students and recent graduates from York University, James starred in a musical titled “Tony! The Blair Musical”, where he played the lead role of Tony Blair to much acclaim. The Spectator magazine wrote:
“James is an astutely stumbling Blair, his charisma undercut by a shifty and relentless niceness.” “Duckworth’s brilliance is to bring out the private and uncertain Blair who lies behind the messianic yuppie on public display. A perfect slice of Fringe comedy.”
The play was awarded Best in Show in the Edinburgh competition.
Alongside James was aptly enough Iain Duncan Smith’s son playing the oh-so-quiet father and also the role of Alistair Campbell.
Unsurprisingly the play was a sell out for the entire month (August) of production making a total gross profit of £30,000. The play now goes to London in mid September for four nights at the Pleasance Theatre in Islington.
The real Tony Blair has been sent free tickets to attend!
