BY NUALA MCALOON

When William Caulfield returns to the Ardhowen Theatre as the legendary James Young this Friday evening it will be with a fond sense of nostalgia as the popular entertainer regards Enniskillen and the Theatre on the Lakes specifically, as his 'home'.

For it was at the Ardhowen that the former car sales man kick-started his career in theatre and indeed it was only a recent re-location that the Lurgan native moved further North from Clabby in March this year.

"I was here in February with the show and it sold out and a lot of people couldn't get tickets. My career started in the Ardhowen so it is a great pleasure to be back in Enniskillen, it's just going home for me."

William, a founding member of Enniskillen Light Operatic Society, was first cast for a production of Oklahoma approximately 15 years ago. After an audition with Eamon Bradley, manager and artistic director at the Ardhowen, he was cast in the chorus. This was followed up by a part in a summer show before he was rewarded with the lead role of Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady the following Christmas. It was clear that Eamon had spotted a star in the making, and a man with a hunger for the stage.

He went on to play key roles in productions including Guys and Dolls, and Annie Get Your Gun as well as hitting the stage for a variety of roles in summer plays for the Lakeland Players.

William is now much sought after as an after dinner speaker as well as a stand up comedian, compere and more recently celebrity T.V. show contestant. While his comedy career began as a writer, his sharp wit and infectious humour along with his acting ability saw him transfer from 'penman' to 'performer' sharing centre stage with other comic geniuses such as Frank Carson, Jimmy Cricket, May McFetteridge, and Jim Bowen.

On the comedy circuit, William is a household name, due to the phenomenal success of the one man tribute show that is James Young, and his many cabaret and panto appearances in the Waterfront Hall, Grand Opera House, and Millennium Forum in Derry. Audiences it seems cannot get enough of William's hilarious tribute to the late James Young, and are guaranteed a treat as they experience the laughs and antics of all familiar characters, including Lily O'Condriac, Wee Sammy the Schoolboy, the Factory Girl and the ever drunk Willie Simpson.

"I was absolutely delighted with the success of the show back in February and it is fantastic to be able to bring More Our Jimmy back again .

"It is indicative of the high regard which the people of Northern Ireland still hold for the late James Young, who is obviously still very close to their hearts."

Next year William will present his own one hour special 'An audience with James Young' on BBC during the Autumn. Next year will also see him perform one of the James Young plays 'All the King's Horses'. William will be concentrating his efforts in the latter part of the year on Jack and the Beanstalkin the Millennium Forum, Derry.