For his seven-year-old granddaughter Georgia Miller is starring as a Munchkin in the Players' final show before the Leeds City Varieties goes dark in January for a major £9 million refurbishment.

Georgia is following in her mother Joanna's footsteps as she played the same part 28 years ago at Leeds Civic Theatre for the Leeds Insurance and Dramatic Society's production, also directed by Stuart.

"I remember dad was really supportive to me, although quite strict when he gave notes," Joanna said.

"Georgia has been showing a keen interest in the theatre for some time now so it was just a matter of time that she would end up in one of dad's productions sooner or later."

MAGICAL KISS: Actress Charlotte Scott, who stars in The Wizard of Oz, gives fiance Simon Katz a kiss at the launch of his new toy shop

Meanwhile, cast members rubbed shoulders with Bob the Builder, the Simpsons, Dr Who and Spider Man at the launch of new shop Toy Town.

The store is the brainchild of Simon Katz, who is engaged to Charlotte Scott, who plays the Sorceress of the North in the Players' musical.

Accompanied by Dorothy, the cowardly Lion, the Scarecrow and Tin Man as well as a bunch of mischievous Munchkins Charlotte waved her wand as they walked down the specially made yellow brick road which Simon had paved especially for the occasion.

Simon's uncle, theatre producer David King - who brought his show The Spirit of the Dance to Donisthorpe Hall in the summer - flew in from Niagara Falls especially for the opening.