IT IS a big Broadway musical and it will be seen for the first time in the UK on stage in Honley next week.

Handpicked Productions’ performances of Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida, open at Southgate Theatre on Monday.

It is down to musician Craig Ball that local audiences will get to see the show. He secured the rights to stage Aida buying them as a present for his wife Ellen’s 30th birthday.

Ellen plays Aida and the leading role of Radames is played by Luke Flacks.

Other well-known names in the company include Sharon Whitehead who plays Amneris, while Chris Sleigh plays Mereb and Paul Bennett plays Zoser.

The show runs from Monday to Saturday with evening performances at 7.15pm.

Box office is on 07591 474088 and tickets are available on the door.