THERE'S no resting between jobs for a busy Keighley actor.

Having appeared only last month in a production of highly-acclaimed musical Company at Bingley Arts Centre, Ned Sproston is already rehearsing for his next role.

He is starring as George in comedy Same Time, Next Year, which opens the new Bingley Little Theatre season next month.

Ned says his love of the character made the part irresistable.

First performed in 1975, Same Time, Next Year tracks changes in society from the 1950s to the mid-70s.

The story begins when George and Doris – played by Becky Kordowicz – who are both married to others, share a one-night stand and then agree to meet on the same date every year, in the same hotel room.

This continues for 24 years. The audience sees them at broadly five-year intervals – with the story playing out against a backdrop of post-war America, through the civil rights protests, to Vietnam and the growth of the women’s movement.

Ned says: "I have a young family, so to go from one production to another without any break, the play has to be something special. Thankfully, I've a very supportive wife!

"I love the character. Time has left behind this buttoned-up accountant. If his later switchback from reactionary, racist Barry Goldwater supporter to simple-life liberal seems a little far-fetched, it does at least restore one’s sympathies for this willowy, self-doubting son of the establishment. Playing George is a challenge in so many ways – the many facets of the character, not to mention the humongous amount of lines to learn!".

The play was written by Bernard Slade.

Director Mervyn Button says: "The author had a background in TV sitcoms, and the quickfire one-liners are evident in his carefully-constructed, thoughtful script.

"There are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, but the play is much more than that, with absorbing dialogue underlying the excellent gags.

"Above all, the strength of this hilarious comedy – that only occasionally looks its age – is in the characterisation of its only two players, George and Doris. This is an ideal play to kickstart the new Bingley Little Theatre season – funny and heartwarming!"

Same Time, Next Year runs at Bingley Arts Centre from Monday, September 9, to Saturday, September 14.

Seats can be reserved online – at bingleyartscentre.co.uk – or via the box office, which is open weekdays from 10am -1pm. Call 01274 567983.