A HOLLYWOOD stuntman and Robbie William’s body double has given a Runcorn theatre group a private masterclass.

Ian Van Temperley, from Weston, helped Victoria Music’s drama department stage an intricate sword fight for the final scene of their latest Shakespeare production, Hamlet.

The stunt co-ordinator, who has worked on 160 films and TV productions all over the world, was home for Christmas and volunteered to share his expertise.

Dad-of-four Rob Littler, 56, founder of Victoria Music, said: “It was an honour and a privilege to have the help of such an amazing professional.

“He was worked on so many Hollywood blockbusters he is very highly respected in the industry.

“We were chuffed to get him.”

Ian doubled for Robbie Williams in his music video Candy and has performed stunts for actors including Tom Hanks, Jim Carey and Damien Lewis.

For the past 22 years, he has been falling off buildings, blowing himself up and fighting epic battles.

A professional horseman, he is often asked worked on television productions such as Beowulf on ITV last year.

Ian gave up his time free to help the performing arts charity perfect their fight scenes as they prepare to stage Hamlet at the Brindley.

Rob, of Norman Road, added: “It took three hours to stage a four minute sword fight.

“It was a masterclass in stunt theatre. For our children to get the experience of being taught sword fencing from an experienced professional is worth its weight in gold.

“Although the swords are blunt they can still hurt so it all needs to be risk assessed.

“Ian was able to show them how to block the sword move by move. It’s really clever stuff.”

Tickets for Hamlet which runs from January 26-28 are available from the Brindley box office on 0151-907-8360 and online at thebrindley.org.uk.