WHEN Keighley Musical Theatre Company (KMTC) announced its forthcoming production of the hit musical Sister Act it attracted lots of attention from community actors.

KMTC cast its net far and wide and four leading players who, between them, have taken numerous principal roles at The Town Hall Theatre, Yeadon, Guiseley Theatre and Ilkley Playhouse are currently hot-footing it over to Keighley for rehearsals to put the finishing touches to the show, which runs at The Victoria Hall, Keighley from Sunday, October 13 to Saturday, October 19.

The stage musical of Sister Act, is closely based on the film, which starred Whoopi Goldberg and Maggie Smith. The story revolves around ‘Deloris Van Cartier’, a nightclub singer who accidentally sees her married gangster lover Curtis gun down one of his crew. Police officer Eddie (who still harbours the high school crush he had on her back in the day) hides her away in a convent. A reluctant Mother Superior comes around when she sees how Deloris’ musical talents bring the faithful (and their money) back into her church. The late-Seventies Philadephia setting is the perfect excuse for high energy musical numbers. It was the era when disco metaphorically exploded!

The role of the Mother Superior is played by Laura Judge, who has taken numerous principal roles for Brass Neck at Yeadon, most recently in Sunshine on Leith. James Windle, who last year led the cast of School of Rock for Guiseley Theatre Company takes on the role of Eddie. Jill Whitehouse who last appeared as ‘Miss Hannigan’ in Annie at Guiseley and has since worked with Brass Neck, plays old Sister Mary Lazarus, the part taken by Lesley Joseph in the recent professional tour. The role of Monsignor O’ Hara is entrusted to David Kirk, who most recently played ‘Max’ in The Sound of Music and ‘Chitterlow’ in Kipps – both for Yeadon Theatre Company at The Town Hall. Aireborough audiences may well also have seen one of David’s 60-plus productions at Yeadon Town Hall and Guiseley Theatre at some point in the last thirty years.

All four agree that rehearsals have been fun and well worth the many journeys to Keighley. Laura said: “The show is just wall-to-wall laughs and silliness. A cracking story, wonderful tunes and fantastic performances.

Jill agreed: “The choreography by Judith Chapman is just amazing. I have to say it has taken so much time to learn." David concurs saying his two left feet are just about coping!. He added: "The routines are sensational. The audience will be dazzled by the dancing – not to mention by the shimmering, glitzy, technicolour costumes.”

Seats for the production - featuring both Sunday and Saturday matinees - are selling fast.

Opening for a week run on Sunday, October 13, seats can be booked online at www.keighleymtc.com or by phone to the box office (03000 301 303).