A childhood dream was realised by a Skipton actress this week when she appeared in the West End.

Elaine Glover has been performing around the country in The Full Monty, adapted for the stage by Glusburn-born Oscar-winning screenwriter Simon Beaufoy.

On Tuesday, the show, which has been receiving rave reviews, had its London Premiere at The Noel Coward Theatre in the West End.

Elaine, who went to Aireville School and who has appeared in several theatre productions and television shows, including Emmerdale, Holby City, Hollyoaks and The Bill, said she never thought she would reach the West End and added: “I never thought it would happen, it is a very surreal experience. I come from Skipton, and now I’m appearing in the West End, it’s a dream come true.”

The 1997 film version of The Full Monty, adapted by Simon Beaufoy, became one of the most successful British films ever made.

Based around unemployed Sheffield steel workers who turn to stripping to make some cash, it was also made into a musical set in Buffalo, America.

In the latest production for the stage, Simon has come up with a new script, based on his original film.

In it, Elaine plays three different parts, including the sister of one of the men.

“It translates so well for the stage and has been received so well, its bringing people a lot of laughs,” she said.

The Full Monty, which also features Bradford-born actor Simon Rouse – who played DCI Jack Meadows in The Bill – is due to run in the West End for 16 weeks.