Sheffield pantomime veteran announces retirement at 100

His granddaughter Lauren Hall said Mr Kay’s decision to retire should be taken with a pinch of salt.

She said: “He says this one is his last one, but he says that every time. Don’t take it too seriously. He absolutely loves it.

“Since we lost my granny back in 2018, it’s given him something to look forward to each year, coming to do the pantomime.

“It gets him out of the house, keeps him really active, he’s around lots of young people, which keeps you young, and it’s something he loves doing.”

Mr Kay’s son Alan, 67, has been involved with High Green Musical Theatre since 1992.

His daughter and grandchildren are continuing the legacy, with youngest Tom, just three, already lined up for roles in future performances.

Alan said: “It’s great to see my dad still involved and still enjoying it. Everybody in the cast loves him, past members – they all make a fuss of him.

“It gives me great joy to be on stage with him, and my daughter and my granddaughter as well, so it’s a family affair.”

Mr Kay said performing with the family was one of the reasons he had continued for so long.

He said: “I know my great granddaughter will keep going and then we’ve got another one coming: Tom, her brother. He likes dancing.

“We’re a theatre family. I’m like Kirk Douglas and John Wayne – I think I’m up there with them.”