Darryl Kane and Lin Russell have been chosen to perform at the opening ceremony for the Olympics

Barking and Dagenham acting pair to take to world stage for London 2012 Olympic opening ceremony

Sarah Shaffi, News editor Wednesday, February 8, 2012
8:51 AM

Two members of a Barking performing group will be swapping the theatre stage for the world stage when they perform at the opening ceremony at the Olympics.

Darryl Kane and Lin Russell, who are both members of Barking Music and Drama (MAD), have been picked to be part of one of the biggest shows on Earth.

The pair will be seen by millions of people across the world as they take part in the show officially opening the London 2012 Games on July 27 at the Olympic Stadium in Stratford.

The prospect of performing in front of such a big audience, a once-in-a-lifetime chance, is what made Darryl go for the role.

The 47-year-old, of Bentry Road, Dagenham, said: “As soon as I heard that London had got the Olympics I was excited about it. I said from the start that I wanted to get involved in some way, whether it was performing or volunteering.

“As soon as I found out they were auditioning for the opening performance I put my name down.

“It’s amazing and fantastic, I’m really looking forward to it. To think we are going to be involved in something viewed by millions of people is great.”

Darryl and Lin, who is from Movers Lane, Barking, had to go through a rigorous audition process, involving two long auditions where they had to do dance routines and marching.

Mum-of-two Lin, who is married to Bill, said: “It was quite rigorous but it quite inspiring. You came out of the auditions feeling good.

“I’m going to have to try not to think about how many people are going to be watching.”

Lin, 56, and Darryl’s families and friends are looking forward to seeing their loved ones on screen, and will be trying to spot them when the opening ceremony is broadcast on television.

Darryl, whose daughters Jennifer, 19 and Jessica, 17, are also performers, said they and his wife Samantha were “just as excited” as he was when they found out he had been picked to perform.