RICHARD Blackburn was in for a shock at his audition for the role of Nanky-Poo in York Light Opera Company’s Hot Mikado. Little did he know he would be expected to learn the trumpet.

“The show is a jazzed-up, swing-style version of the original Gilbert & Sullivan production, but set to 1940s-style music,” says publicity officer Tony Reeves.

“So when Nanky-Poo first appears on stage to sing A Wandrin’ Minstrel, he has to play two jazz trumpet solos as well as sing the song.”

Trumpet virgin Richard is now taking it all in his stride in time for the March 4 to 15 run at York Theatre Royal.

“Nanky-Poo has to play it badly as he’s supposed to be a less than accomplished trumpeter,” he says.

You might expect this would make his task easier, but not so. “I’ve never played any instrument before, but when I picked up the trumpet, blew into it and nothing happened, I thought, ‘Playing it badly is going to be more difficult than I first anticipated’,” says Richard, who has been taking lessons from Knaresborough trumpet player Ross Simpson.

Ross has played many times at York Light shows and will be part of the on-stage band for Hot Mikado, but the solo falls to Richard, as musical director Phil Redding explains.

“Some productions play the Nanky-Poo solos in the band, but if someone like Ross plays it, the trouble is it ends up being too good. You have to believe that Nanky-Poo is a genuinely naff trumpet player.”

Richard hopes he can rise to the unusual challenge of playing badly but offers this reassurance.

“Rest assured, every other musician playing in the show is terrific and the swing and jazz music is truly wonderful. There are some great dance numbers and some very funny scenes; it’s a show not many people know, but everyone will enjoy.”

• Tickets for the 7.30pm evening shows and 2.30pm Saturday matinees are on sale on 01904 623568 and online at yorktheatreroyal.co.uk