JOSEPH SHOVELTON, one of St Joseph's most famous sons, has landed a prime part at London's Royal Festival Hall.

He will play the lead role of Nanky Poo in Gilbert & Sullivan's "The Mikado".

And, playing opposite him, will be Charlotte Page - his bride-to-be.

The couple, who worked their passage together on an archaeology cruise around India earlier this year, have just announced their plan to marry in the year 2000.

Leigh lad Joseph, now 30, was a pupil at St Joseph's RC before moving to St Mary's, where he appeared in all the major productions.

They included "The Mikado" (in the same role he will appear at the RFH from August 31), "Joseph & His Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat" and Lionel Bart's "Oliver". Joseph then went to the Guild Hall School of Music at London's Barbican.

He has since been kept busy, mostly in light opera.

"We are all very proud of him," said sister Christine.

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