Mayor Noel Atkins and his wife Helena were guests of honour at the musical put on by pupils at Vale First and Middle School in Worthing. But the young actors had their confidence crushed when the couple dozed off within minutes of curtains up, reports the Daily Telegraph. Some of the youngsters, aged 11, were reportedly sobbing during the interval, believing it was a reflection of their performance.
Ashley Knowlson, 11, who played a tramp in the chorus, said: “I couldn’t believe he fell asleep. Some of the girls were very upset.” His mother, Tina Knowlson, 42, who was in the audience, said: “It was a big night for them to do it in front of the mayor – he was the VIP. “The least he and his wife could have done was to stay awake for the performance. It’s a shame he ruined what could have been a special night for them.” The council confirmed that Mr Atkins, 66, had nodded off during the show, but said it had been his final official engagement after a “very tough day”.
Blaming his wife’s medication tablets and a heavy cold, Mr Atkins said: “I would like to apologise if I have upset any of the children. “A reviving cup of coffee did work wonders, and we were pleased to meet and chat with the children during the interval and enjoy their performance of Bugsy.”
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