Noting his academic struggles, he discovered a hidden talent for the performing arts, particularly in the realm of Gilbert and Sullivan's light operas, where he excelled in school productions. In contrast, his parents envisioned a more conventional career path for him, perhaps as a painter and decorator or a bank clerk, professions they deemed more stable and respectable than the uncertain world of acting.
Meanwhile, his affinity for music continued to grow, and during his time at drama school, he developed a new passion for playing the violin and saxophone. He even had the opportunity to join various dance bands in his hometown of Liverpool, further nurturing his musical talents.
In a moment of curiosity, he decided to audition for a ballet company, and to his surprise, he landed a job. This marked the beginning of a three-year stint with the esteemed Anton Dolin/Alicia Markova company, during which he rose through the ranks to become a principal dancer.
