ACTOR musician Tim Clarke hopes to hit the right note with his music and drama lessons after playing a bandleader in a hit West End show.

Tim, from Marthall, was bandleader Mark Minton in The Glenn Miller Story, which played at the world-famous Coliseum theatre and starred musical legend Tommy Steele.

Tim said he had to pinch himself to remember he was performing with a man who had worked with the showbusiness greats.

Tim is taking a break from performing to concentrate on offering private singing, saxophone and clarinet lessons from home, to cater for all ages and abilities.

He is also offering tuition with audition pieces for students who may be applying to drama colleges, or adults who may be auditioning for parts in local amateur productions.

“I started performing at school and loved the productions, often musicals such as Oklahoma!, Finian’s Rainbow and Oliver, although I enjoyed the straight plays as well such The Servant of Two Masters and various Shakespeare,” said Tim.

“At home I began studying clarinet at the age of 11, but now play saxophone, keyboard and drums as well.

“Professionally I have appeared in many musicals such as The Buddy Holly Story, Jesus Christ Superstar, Blood Brothers, Dusty Springfield The Musical and Sister Act, but have also appeared in straight plays, including Of Mice And Men and In The Midnight Hour.

“I also appeared in straight roles in television dramas such as The Spanish Armada and the London soap Canary Wharf.

“Mark Minton employed Glenn Miller as his arranger and trombonist, so was a key figure in the early part of the story.

“I also played alto saxophone and was featured clarinettist in the 16-piece on-stage big band, and it was wonderful to be able to play the entire Glenn Miller repertoire every night.

“Appearing at the world-famous Coliseum in the heart of London’s West End was a magical experience.

“It is one of the biggest theatres in London, and we had a standing ovation every night.

“They couldn’t get enough of Tommy Steele or the music. Tommy was an inspiration. At 81 years of age he was on stage pretty much the entire time.

“I had to pinch myself to remember the man standing in front of me had worked with all the greats of showbusiness – Gene Kelly, Fred Astaire, The Beatles, Elvis - and had been at the top of the showbiz tree for 60 years.

“He was very generous on stage, and took the entire cast and crew out for a late-night cruise on a Thames riverboat after the show as a thank you. It was a memorable evening.”

Tim has taught privately on and off for many years and holds an accredited London Trinity College Of Music teaching diploma.

He also hopes to run classes for groups of singers and dancers, with his professional West End performer colleagues as tutors.

Anyone interested in lessons can contact Tim on 07711 873007 or email timclarkemusic@hotmail.co.uk