Down on the farm there's drama as some itinerant workers find out next week.

They're appearing in Keighley Playhouse's production of classic American story Of Mice and Men.

Experienced director Geoff Whitley helms John Steinbeck's stage adaptation of his own novel.

Jeff said the audience would be seeing a play by a Pulitzer Prize and Nobel Literature Prize winner.

He said: "You should expect something a little bit special and in my opinion that is what you will get.

"I can't describe how much I have enjoyed directing Of Mice and Men.

"I have had a wonderful cast and marvellous crew, and I hope people will enjoy a moving theatrical experience."

Of Mice and Men tells of worldly-wise farmhand George and his friend, simple giant Lennie.

Geoff said: "They share a dream of having a place of their own where Lennie can tend rabbits and they can ' live off the fat of the land'.

"Just when it seems their dream might actually become a reality, fate takes a hand.

"George is forced into making an unenviable decision."

Geoff said the writer, Steinbeck, was born in 1902 in a part of California in a fertile agricultural valley.

"Many of his books were set in this area. The valley was always full of transient farm workers."

Leading the cast are experienced local actors Tim Lobley and Steven Clark.

Steven recently returned from Las Vegas, Florida and Corfu where he was evident attendance for well-known holiday companies.

Geof said: "He was lucky enough to work with and meet big stars including Lisa Minnelli.

"His weekly one-man drag show played to full houses.

"Now back in the UK he is busy with his successful modelling agency and writing new scripts for future shows." said that Tim has appeared with the Playhouse for several years both in comedies and serious dramas.

He regularly appears at the Devonshire Street theatre with Alison Broadley, who he recently married.

On stage next week, however, Alison is playing someone else's husband, the character of Curly played by Dean Ambridge.

The cast also includes Playhouse regulars Robin Martin, Mike Boothroyd and Colin Dobson, and newcomer David Peel.

Peter Greenwood plays the boss, straight from his recent Keighley Amateurs panto role.

Winston Robinson plays Crooks before heading to Leeds to performing in the musicals Sweeney Todd and Crazy for You.

Of Mice and Men runs at 7.30pm from Monday to Saturday.

Book Reids bookshop, Cavendish Street, or phone 08451 267859 (office hours) or 01535 or 604764 (weekday evenings).