Star Wayne backs charity
High-kicking dancer Wayne Sleep took a break from singing and doing the splits to wish a Wolverhampton charity a happy birthday. High-kicking dancer Wayne Sleep took a break from singing and doing the splits to wish a Wolverhampton charity a happy birthday. The ballet star is currently starring in the Cole Porter classic High Society at the Grand Theatre. But the 48-year-old stepped out of rehearsals to celebrate Compton Hospice's 25th anniversary with its corporate fundraiser Karen Bowyer. He told the Express & Star: "I have my own charities that I support but always like to try and help other ones as I move in to different communities. "We should all try to give something back." Read the full story in the Express & Star.
The ballet star is currently starring in the Cole Porter classic High Society at the Grand Theatre. But the 48-year-old stepped out of rehearsals to celebrate Compton Hospice's 25th anniversary with its corporate fundraiser Karen Bowyer.
He told the Express & Star: "I have my own charities that I support but always like to try and help other ones as I move in to different communities.
"We should all try to give something back."
The hospice is currently undergoing a major transformation. Department for Health funding is being used to renovate the interior of the building to provide more living space and develop the gardens.
Mrs Bowyer said: "It's a really exciting time for us and we're really pleased that Wayne Sleep was able to take time out of his busy schedule to help us celebrate."
The star signed autographs in the reception of the theatre yesterday after being spotted by passing fans.
He said he knew he had been to Wolverhampton before because he had spotted a picture of himself on the wall of an Indian restaurant near the theatre.
High Society stars Sleep as Uncle Willy in the musical set in 1938. The Olivier-nominated musical is based on a 1956 film.
Sleep, who famously danced with the Princess of Wales, is one of the most well-known dancers and choreographers of his generation. He is the shortest male dancer of all time to be admitted into the Royal Ballet School.
The show runs at the Grand until May 26 and performances starts at 7.30pm. Tickets are from £6.50 to £26.50 and are available from 01902 429212.