Sharing the spotlight:

Could West End job shares help actors?

wo lots of lines to learn. Two sets of directions for the producer to give out. The names of two leading actors up in lights. And an audience seeing only one of them on any given night.

That could be the reality if an idea mooted by working parents and carers in the West End sees the light of day.

Being an actor or actress in a hit musical isn't exactly a 9-5 job.

There are usually eight performances a week - and that's without counting the rehearsal time. It doesn't necessarily tie in with the realities of being a parent - wanting to be there for school runs, dinner, bath and bedtime.

One mum currently starring in West End show School of Rock took matters into her own hands after learning of friends feeling they were forced out of the industry.

Florence Andrews, who plays school principal Rosalie Mullins in the show, set up an online forum calling for job shares in the West End. It now has more than 300 members.

But is sharing the spotlight a solution that could work?