It is a legendary story of society and kingship in medieval England, of the poor getting one over on the rich, but most of all, of heroes triumphantly defeating their enemies.

If you take such a timeless, unfailing plot, add the sparkle of a few songs, some ancient-style instruments and a courageous female lead -- then you have the Keighley portrayal of Robyn Hood - but with an extra injection of oestrogen.

The town's youth theatre KYDZ is bringing the production to the Temple Row Centre and with a nearly all-female cast, the performance promises to be exploding with all the feistiness of girl power.

The story, which includes all the heart-warming elements of the original legend, also contains a charming twist.

The brave daughter of the Earl of Loxley, Robyn Hood, is outlawed by the Sheriff of but escapes to the forest before she is banished from the country.

Taking on anyone who dare to fight her and growing an undefeated reputation, Miss Hood quickly attracts a band of "merry men" comrades to take on the wicked world by her side.

Maid Marian too has a place in this lively musical, but rather than a weak love interest, she is captured by the baddies and shockingly becomes convinced by their pursuit But whether her traitorousness is all that it may seem will only be unfolded at the theatre house.

With "excellent" costumes defining the two warring sides of good and bad, Artistic Director of KYDZ, David Knights, said that the young actors are gearing up to give a very entertaining performance.

He said: "They have been rehearsing since October for this and it is going to be a good one.

"They are all using medieval instruments to fit in with the medieval story setting, with drums and costume based on that era.

"We decided to make some of the main characters girls because of the cast that we have- 10 girls and two boys- so Robyn Hood is a female part, and the Sheriff of Nottingham is played by a girl, and she plays her almost like Cruella Deville."

The performance will run from February 7-9 and will start at 7pm. Tickets can be purchased on the door or by phoning 01535 219705.

As the KYDZ Keighley youth theatre wait to celebrate the end of all their hard work in a climatic performance, the company are restarting their pursuit of talented and committed actors and helpers to join them.

Workshops will run for 11-13 year-olds on two Thursdays in February, which the future cast for their summer show will be chosen from.

Mr Knights said: "We are looking for children who have a passion for acting, but that is not the most important thing.

"They have to be committed and willing to turn up to rehearsals on a weekly basis, but we also need their parents to help with putting on the show.

"We will need help with creating the set, behind-the scenes-aids, and we are also looking for adults to take on executive roles in the group, roles like secretary and treasurer."

KYDZ's current cast is of 15-16 year-olds, but it is now targeting younger performers to join them and become permanent members.

For those interested in getting involved, or becoming an executive member, call Mr01535 219705.