IT will be a change of scenery for Leeds man Ian White when he takes to the stage in his local amateur dramatics production.

Ian, 50, who works as a screen extra by day, will swap the film and TV studio for the stage as he takes on the role of Herbie in Ilkley Amateurs’ production of the Broadway smash Gypsy at the King’s Hall, Ilkley, this week.

“When I was a kid, my favourite movie musical was Gypsy starring Rosalind Russell and Natalie Wood,” said Ian.

“Now, many years later I’m thrilled to be taking on the part of Herbie originally played by Karl Malden in the film.”

Ian has worked as an extra for the last three years after being made redundant from the sign industry, in productions ranging from the Dad’s Army film, Brief Encounters, The Club to Coronation Street and Emmerdale.

Gypsy which tells the real life rags to riches story of the stripper Gypsy Rose Lee stars Laura Judge as Rose and Pip Barton as Louise.

It started its run yesterday March 8 and runs until March 11 at the Kings Hall, Ilkley.

For more details go to iaos.amateurboxoffice.co.uk.