THERE will be added pressure on Burnley-born actor Muzz Khan when he takes to the stage of London’s National Theatre tomorrow night.

For not only will his performance in the play Behind the Beautiful Forevers be beamed live to venues in East Lancashire, his family and friends will be in the audience at the Ace Centre in Nelson to watch him.

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Muzz, who grew up in Nelson and attended Edge End High School before studying at the prestigious Webber Douglas Academy in London, will play five parts in the production which has been gaining rave reviews from the critics.

“It has been really well received,” said Muzz. “It is not an easy watch at times as it is based on real life stories of people living in Mumbai.”

The play – written by David Hare – is adapted from the best selling novel by American author Katherine Boo who spent three years living among India’s poor.

“There are some very funny moments,” said Muzz, “but anyone expecting lots of Bollywood dancing will be in for a shock.”

The play is being screened live at both the Ace Centre and the Grand in Clitheroe as part of the NT Live project which allows theatre lovers to experience shows from the South Bank.

An encore screening will also be held at Darwen Library Theatre on Thursday, March 26.

“It is going to be a challenge for all of us on Thursday night,” said Muzz. “When you’re acting on stage you try and reach the whole audience whereas in front of a camera you have to be very minimal with your movements and expressions.

“I have done some TV work – including playing alongside Keifer Sutherland in the hit drama 24 – but for some of the cast the cameras will be a totally new experience.

“We had a rehearsal the other week and it was weird having big cameras looming over our heads like cranes.”

Muzz, who has performed with the Contact Theatre in Manchester and with the Royal Shakespeare Company, always wanted a part in Behind The Beautiful Forevers.

“I had heard the book was to be made into a play in 2012 and really wanted to be part of it,” he said. “But I thought I had missed the auditions for it last year.

“Then out of nowhere my agent rang me and told me I’d got an audition for the National Theatre.

“The best thing about National Theatre Live is that people who can’t get to places like London and Manchester can still see the performances.” My mum will be going to the Ace Centre to see it, well I hope she will anyway!

“I’d like to wish my mum a truly Happy Mother’s Day for this Sunday. She’s a phenomenal mum and if it wasn’t for her support in the early days, I wouldn’t be here today. So thank you, mum!”

  • NT Live will be screened at the Ace Centre, Nelson and the Grand Clitheroe at 7pm tomorrow night.