A professional actor who learnt his trade while growing up in Whitstable says he has landed a dream role in a major production.

Alan Burkitt, 33, is playing the lead in Top Hat, an award-winning West End production currently at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre.

Mr Burkitt, who grew up in Chestfield, received dance training at the Deborah Capon School in Whitstable and has previously won the All England Tap Dancer of the Year.

The choreographer attended the Queen Elizabeth’s Grammar School in Faversham and is playing the role of Jerry Travers, originally created by Fred Astaire in the 1935 film.

He said: “It’s good to be coming home.

“It’s nice to be down here in Kent seeing some old friends I haven’t seen for 15 years.

“It’s nice to see my mum and dad and spend time here again actually in Whitstable.

"I love it and it’s a dream role for me..." - Alan Burkitt

“I love it and it’s a dream role for me.

“I have always said I want to play the Fred Astaire role and to play something he has done is a dream.”

Mr Burkitt will be living in Plantation Road in Chestfield with his parents until the show’s Marlowe stint ends on Saturday, April 25.

Before arriving in Canterbury, the show enjoyed an extended run in the West End where it won three Olivier Awards for best new musical, choreography and costume design.

Mr Burkitt, who first played the lead role in August, added: “At first I found it quite easy but it’s a huge role. I am never off stage in act one and act two is full-on too.

“The biggest thing is staying healthy and eating enough.

“You have got to look after yourself and we have a good time with the company.

“I love the role so much. I never stop experimenting with it.”

STRICTLY ROLE

When not starring in Top Hat, Alan works behind the scenes on the hit BBC show Strictly Come Dancing.

He choreographs the professional routines for the result shows and hopes to take up choreography in future years.

Alan said: “Strictly is a great thing to be a part of and the Strictly family is so lovely.

“It’s interesting to be involved with the TV side which is so different to theatre as the process is so much quicker.

“It’s a really good eye-opener. I love the choreography and in the future when my bones give up I would love to go and do that.”

When asked if he would consider becoming a professional dancer on Strictly, he said: “I would love to but unfortunately I don’t have enough ballroom knowledge.

“It’s very specific and I am more musical theatre.

“Top Hat does have aspects of ballroom but I don’t know how to do a samba or a rumba.”

Alan is already preparing the routines for this year’s forthcoming series.

Top Hat is at the Marlowe Theatre in Canterbury until Saturday, April 25. Tickets from £15.50. Go to www.marlowetheatre.com or call 01227 787787.