For a veteran comedian and actor, returning to the New Wimbledon Theatre to perform this month, will be particularly special.

Brian Conley was appearing in Cinderella at the venue in the 1980s when a young woman called Anne-Marie came along to watch.

They were introduced backstage and the rest is history, said Conley.

The couple have been married for 18 years and have two daughters, Amy, 17, and Lucy, 12.

Having been in show-business for 41 years, Conley has had a varied and successful career.

Wimbledon Times:

Linzi Hateley as Chairy and Brian Conley as PT Barnum.

One of his highlights, he said, was starring in Jolson in 1995 where he played the title role and was nominated for an Olivier award.

The show won best musical.

"Away from that I am more proud of being a dad than an entertainer," he said.

He will star in Barnum, a production by Cameron Mackintosh, at the theatre this month, which will see him walk a tightrope to be united with his love interest.

"It is a story of a man who went from scamming people to being a politician to be the first millionaire in America," Conley said.

Learning how to tightrope walk was a highlight for the actor.

He said: "I had been doing it for seven months before the show, three times a week at a circus school.

"I am proud of myself. I do fall off and that makes it more exciting. You can hear a pin drop but I get a big cheer if I get across first time."

Brian Conley will star in Barnum at the New Wimbledon Theatre, The Broadway, Wimbledon. Tuesday, October 14 to Saturday October 18. Tickets available from atgtickets.com.