A SCOTS stage star has landed the lead role in a top musical after the actress playing the part was forced to quit following her husband's death.
A SCOTS stage star has landed the lead role in a top musical after the actress playing the part was forced to quit following her husband's death.
Vivienne Carlyle is filling in for Linda Nolan in Blood Brothers following the death of Linda's husband Brian to cancer last month.
Vivienne will give her powerful portrayal of Mrs Johnstone at the King's Theatre from tonight but her thoughts will be with friend Linda and her family.
Producer Bill Kenwright offered her the part just days ago and she had no hesitation quitting a London production of Joseph.
It is a dream role for the actor from Eaglesham, East Renfrewshire, although her acceptance was tinged with sadness.
The 34-year-old said: "I was playing the narrator in Joseph but to be asked to play Mrs Johnstone is amazing.
"It's probably the biggest role I've played but the circumstances of it are so awful. I just feel really bad for Linda and her family. I am a good friend of her sister Maureen and I have met Coleen before."
Two years ago, Linda spoke to the Evening Times about the heartache of her husband's cancer diagnosis.
The star, who shot to fame with her sisters in singing group The Nolans before becoming a stage star, said at the time: "Brian, who is also my manager, has skin cancer.
"It has been a difficult time but we will worry about tomorrow when tomorrow comes."
At the time she was starring in Blood Brothers at the King's in Glasgow.
Linda was herself later diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006.
Vivienne, a graduate of Strathclyde University, is now living in London where her stage career is taking off.
She made her West End debut in Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat at the New London Theatre as well as playing Mrs Walker in Who's Tommy.
She has also been in Blood Brothers before, as Mrs Lyons at the Phoenix Theatre, London.
Blood Brothers, written by Willy Russell, is at the King's Theatre each night at 7.30pm except Sundays, until October 13.
