RENOWNED television impressionist Jon Culshaw will feature in the Theatre Royal's staging of hit musical Acorn Antiques later this month.

The Dead Ringers and Impressions Show star, will make a guest appearance in the production of the Olivier Award-winning musical by the Pilkington Musical Theatre Company, having recorded the part of Mrs Overall's father.

And Culshaw has also been named as the president of the local theatre company, which enjoyed success last year with The Addams Family Musical.

Directed by St Helens' resident pantomime Dame, Si Foster and based on the hit soap opera parody, Acorn Antique The Musical includes all the hilarious characters from the TV show including Miss Babs, Miss Berta and not forgetting macaroon maestro, Mrs O.

It follows their struggle to keep their antiques business afloat as they are threatened into being taken over by faceless high street coffee shop - The Guilty Bean.

Director Si said: "It's the fourth show I have directed the society in and I have to say it's the funniest script that we have done.

"To follow on from the fabulous reviews, mayhem and madness of The Addams Family Musical last year, the company had to find something as funny and as outlandish, and you can't beat the world of Victoria Wood.

"Her wording, tunes and story-line is hilarity from the offset. It's been a struggle at times due to the complexity of the staging, but we've laughed from start to finish.

"It's a real honour for the society by having someone as famous as Jon to help promote our company. We are the last remaining amateur theatre group to perform at the Theatre Royal and we want Pilkingtons to continue to do so in the years to come.

"Jon hails from Ormskirk and knows the area well and started off in amateur dramatics. So not only is he our president, he also takes on a role in this year's show in a rather novel and surprising way. We hope this is the start of a good working partnership with him."

Ahead of the show, Jon said: “What a great honour to be invited to be president of Pilkington Musical Theatre Company – and so near to my hometown of Ormskirk too. I look forward to cheering them on through their many brilliant shows in the future.”

Acorn Antiques will be performed three times on the evenings of Thursday, September 24, Friday 25 and Saturday 26 with a 7.30pm start each night. Visit www.sthelenstheatreroyal.co.uk or call 01744 756000 for ticket information.