WEST END performer John Partridge is returning to his Radcliffe roots for Christmas.

The 34-year-old is to perform in the acclaimed musical Miss Saigon at the Palace Theatre in Manchester which means he gets the chance to catch up with his family over the festive period.

As a youngster growing up in Park Street, Radcliffe, John's only ambition was to become a dancer.

He received early encouragement and support from his mum, Bridie and late father George and went on to study at the Royal Ballet School in London at the age of ten.

John's training also took him to the Bush Davies School and Doreen Bird College before he hit the West End stage in shows like Tommy, Starlight Express and Cats.

Widely travelled and now living in Berlin, this will be the first time John has performed in Manchester.

He said: "I have never worked in Manchester and that was the sole reason for me taking the job. It means I will be in Manchester for Christmas and New Year for the first time in five years and provides an opportunity for people who know me to come and see me in the show."

As well as John's family, who still live in Radcliffe, his old dancing teacher from the Rita Seddon School of Dance will be in the audience, prompting fond memories from his childhood. John said: "My sister, Fiona, went to dance classes and at that age you want to do everything your sister does so I asked if I could go. Before my dad would shell out for proper tap shoes he got me an old pair of normal shoes and fitted some taps to them. After I made a good job of the lino in the kitchen my parents allowed me to go to proper classes.

"I also remember performing in pantomimes at Radcliffe United Reformed Church. My parents were very supportive and have only ever been proud of me. I used to watch Gene Kelly and Fred Astair films with my dad so he had no problem with me wanting to be a dancer. I think he saw it as a ticket out for me and the job has certainly enabled me to meet a variety of people. I was rubbish at school and there was never any other option for me but to be a dancer."

As well as dancing, John will show off his singing talents in the production of Miss Saigon, in which he plays a character called John.

The musical tells the love story of an American GI and a young Vietnamese woman, set in 1975 during the final days leading up to the American evacuation of Saigon.

The Cameron Mackintosh production will play at the Palace Theatre from November 30 to January 7. For tickets, contact the box office on 0870 401 3000.