Keighley Amateurs are to perform Andrew Lloyd Webber’s musical Whistle Down The Wind

The group – which is in its centenary year – is among just a few amateur societies granted rights to stage the production, which enjoyed a long and successful West End run and national professional tour.

Based on the novel by Mary Hayley Bell and subsequent Richard Attenborough-produced film, Whistle Down The Wind follows the fortunes of a fugitive caught between the prejudice of adults and the innocence of youth.

Swallow, a 15-year-old-girl growing up in America’s deep south in the 50s, discovers a mysterious man hiding out in a barn. When she asks who he is and he utters “Jesus Christ”, Swallow and the town’s other children vow to protect him from townspeople and the outside world.

The emotive score combines love songs and explosive rock music, with lyrics by acclaimed rock ’n’ roll songwriter Jim Steinman.

Songs include Whistle Down The Wind, The Vaults of Heaven, Cold, When Children Rule The World, Wrestle With The Devil and the Boyzone hit No Matter What.

Keighley Amateurs chairman Louise Hindle-Barton said: “I am personally thrilled we have been chosen by the Really Useful Group to produce Whistle Down The Wind.

“This is a wonderful musical for our centenary year and we have a fine cast, technical team and supporting society to bring this show to our audiences, which have supported us so well over many years.

“Keighley Amateurs have always brought top quality shows to our town and, with our fine singers, talented youngsters and a 13-piece orchestra, this one will be no exception.

“Lloyd Webber takes a familiar story and adds his wonderful music. The show is amusing and moving in equal parts.”

Jamesine Cundell Walker directs and musical director is John Sandland.

The cast is led by experienced performers including Mark Allan, who played The Fonz in Happy Days, as The Man, and Brogan Hollindrake, who was principal girl in Aladdin, as Swallow.

Playing the lead roles of the children are Willow Thomas (Brat) and Daniel Duckworth (Poor Baby), both of whom have been in several Keighley Amateurs pantomimes. Caitlin Riley and Heather Flaherty are understudies.

Two teams of 12 youngsters will alternate each performance to form the children’s ensemble, and they will be joined by an adult ensemble.

Other cast members include Mark Rundle as Boone, Callum Stevens as Edward, Richard Gardner as minister/snake preacher, Matthew Gardner as Amos, Claire Johnson as Candy, Peter Kounnas as Earl, Chris Cundell as Sherrif and Jamie Pickles as Deputy Sheriff.

The show is being performed at Victoria Hall in Keighley from October 22 to 26 at 7.15pm, with a 2.15pm Saturday matinee. Tickets are £13 for back tiers – or £11 concessions – and £10 for front stalls (£8 concessions).

Book at keighleyamateurs.com, visit the Copy Shop in High Street, Keighley, or call 08456 252550.