TRIBUTES have been paid for a top West End and Broadway performer from Rhyl for his "joyous force for positivity and fun”.

Neil Penlington died suddenly, aged 47, at his home in London on December 11.

A former Ysgol Emmanuel and Rhyl High School pupil, Neil’s career saw him move to London at 19 and become a leading ballet dancer with British dance-theatre company New Adventures.

A statement from his parents Arthur and Dhrinda, sister Helen, brother-in-law Ross and nephew Luke said: "Neil was a much loved son, brother and uncle who has been tragically taken from us too soon.

"He is forever in our hearts."

Neil's love of dancing began aged five, studying ballroom at the Nancy Clarke School of Dance and Rhyl Little Theatre before moving up to the London Academy of Live and Recording Arts.

The dancer became an integral part of New Adventures during its "golden period", as an original West End cast member of Swan Lake in 1996 and was also with the company on its original Ahmanson Theatre debut in Los Angeles in 1997 and on Broadway in 1998.

During his time with the company, the talented performer danced in Highland Fling - learning his role in just one day when a cast member was suddenly injured.

He also starred in Spitfire, Cinderella and The Car Man, as well as the company's first show under their current name in the Nutcracker in 2002.

Sir Matthew Bourne, the company's director, said: "We have lost a very special member of our New Adventures family and I have lost a dear friend.

"As a member of my company at a sometimes difficult time when we were breaking new ground, in the West End and on Broadway, Neil was always the most joyous force for positivity and fun and a pleasure to be around."

"He had his “finger in every pie” so to speak, a warm, generous open spirit that was easy to fall in love with but impossible to truly “know’."

Sir Matthew also described Neil, who struggled with mental health issues, as "man of fascinating contradictions" who also held a high profile job at the Mayfair celebrity hotspot Claridges Hotel.

Rhyl Journal:

Neil held a job at the exclusive Mayfair hotel Claridges

Sir Matthew added: "Whatever life threw at him Neil always bounced back with his same characteristic positivity and good humour. We really have lost him this time - far too soon.

"Farewell dear Neil, and thank you”

Neil's sister, Helen said: ""It gives us great comfort to know he was much loved by everyone in the dance and theatre world. Sleep tight Neil."

Neil's funeral service will be held at the Denbighshire Memorial Park & Crematorium in St Asaph on Friday, January 10 at 2pm.

Those paying respects are asked by the family not to give flowers, and instead are accepting donations towards the Rhyl Little Theatre.