A FATHER and son have proved showbusiness runs in the family after both winning lead roles in a show which is destined for the West End stage.

Graham and James Edgington will be starring in a new musical based on the hit TV drama Band of Gold which was set in the world of prostitution.

James, aged 18, was auditioning for the show "Tricks" when a producer spotted his father Graham and wondered if he could also sing and act.

Luckily Graham, aged 46, has been a performer all his life and was only too happy to snap up a lead role.

Former Bolton School pupil James, who is due to start a Performing Arts degree at Salford University in September, plays a rent boy in the musical while his father is taking on two roles as a judge and a serial killer.

James, who lives with his father in Bradley Fold, has always been crazy about singing since he was a youngster and is keen to become a full-time performer when he graduates. Graham runs his own business management consultancy, but was a well known singer on the North-west cabaret circuit when he was a young man and has performed in as many local shows as he could while bringing up James.

The 22-strong cast is busy rehearsing for the show which opens at Lowton civic centre on August 13 before travelling to Edinburgh and Manchester Opera House in November prior to a national tour culminating at a West End theatre the following autumn.

As well as rehearsing, Graham and James are both busy recording the cast soundtrack.

Graham said: "As far as we know this is the first time a father and son have performed together as leads in a West End show.

Anyone wanting to book tickets for the show can contact Graham at home on 01204 862233.