A LEIGH actor is returning 'home' for Christmas in a festive production of fantasy adventure Inkheart.

Darryl Clark will play Basta in the stage show, adapted from Cornelia Funke's worldwide best-selling novel for children, at HOME – Manchester's brand new 500-seat international centre for contemporary theatre, visual art, and film.

The story follows 12-year-old hero Meggie who is drawn into a world of mystery, magic, and adventure when the characters in her favourite books come alive.

In an epic battle with the baddest of bad guys, discover whether Meggie and her team of unconventional allies are able to stay one step ahead and keep those they love safe from danger.

Darryl, aged 40, said: "HOME is an incredible venue. I'm delighted to be able to perform in such a fantastic space. Plus it's great to be able to work in the North West. I live in London but my family are based in Leigh, so it'll be great to be able to see them over Christmas."

He will be joined in the 10-part production by Katherine Carlton, Paul McEwan, Kelly Hotten, Andy Sheridan, Rachel Atkins, Griffin Stevens, Will Irvine, Kern Falconer and Andrei Costin.

Darryl said: "The good thing about Inkheart is that although it isn't a pantomime, it is the perfect Christmassy show. There are a lot of traditional pantos out there such as Cinderella and Jack and the Beanstalk — which are all great to do — but this is something completely different, and kids will love it."

The former Leigh sixth form college pupil's love of drama started at school before he was taken under the wing of Leigh-based arts writer and drama tutor Julie McKiernan.

Father-of-two Darryl said: "I started off doing drama at school when I was about 14. I auditioned for Dracula Spectacular and was given the lead role and I loved being on stage.

"I went on to do drama for A Levels at the old Leigh sixth form college and had a brilliant teacher called Julie McKiernan who was responsible for coaching a number of pupils who went on to become professional actors including Craig Cheetham, who appeared in Emmerdale, and Will Travis, who played Neil Beckett in Coronation Street.

"Places like Leigh and Bolton are fantastic for drama and have a really good reputation for bringing out top actors."

Walter Meierjohann, HOME's artistic director, said: "Inkheart will take you on a thrilling quest full of adventure, humour and charm. Our cast of 10 will make HOME's first Christmas show one to remember. It is a magical story, full of imagination, and the celebration of that story-telling and imagination is exactly what HOME itself is all about."

Inkheart will run at HOME from Friday, December 4, until Saturday, January 9. For tickets visit homemcr.org.