IT IS just one of those shows that was seen instantly as a classic.

A Chorus Line opened on Broadway in the Seventies and its characters have kept on dancing ever since.

Head for the Lawrence Batley Theatre on March 20 and you will see just why this must-see show has such a hold on people’s hearts.

According to David Lockwood, who is directing the show for Woodhouse Operatic Society, it is completely different from anything else the society has ever done. And you can see what he means.

The show, after all, is set on the bare stage of a Broadway theatre where a clutch of young hopefuls are auditioning for a spot on A Chorus Line.

We get to know their personalities, their strengths, their problems. And the audience quickly begins to live every moment with them as they audition for roles which could make or shatter their dreams.

Strong stuff then, and yes, this is a show with adult content so be aware that the language in parts is strong.

That said, this is a show which is all about decisions which shape people’s lives so there is little wonder people take it to their hearts.

The show’s lyrics are by Edward Kleban and the music is by Marvin Hamlisch.

Listen out for What I Did for Love, One (Singular Sensation), probably the show-stopper in a musical which packs dance, drama and song into a performance like few others.

David is joined once again by choreographer Cathy Peters on the production team along with new face Huddersfield university music lecturer Josh Goodman as musical director.

The cast reflects Woodhouse’s excellent team of dancers who are given free rein to strut their stuff in this exciting show. And there are challenges too on the musical side from a Hamlisch score which is a real toughie.

The cast is a real ensemble piece with one family, the Sellens, providing their very own team of no less than five family members.

David Sellens, his wife Lynn and their daughters Hayley Kenefick and Rebecca Hakier are in the show along with Rebecca’s husband, Richard.

Hayley is playing Cassie, one of the show’s major roles. Richard is cast as the director Zach, the character played in the film version by Michael Douglas, and gets to work alongside his wife, Rebecca who plays the dance captain.

Becky Cawthra is one of three performers from the Halifax area who have teamed up with Woodhouse on the show.

Becky is a strong actress, dancer and singer and plays the role of Diana Morales.

Ashley Davies and his fiancee Pippa Wilson are also used to working stage shows in Halifax. They’ve also both worked for Euro Disney.

Ashley recently played Bill Snibson in the musical Me And My Girl in Halifax.

Mollie Targett, from Leeds, is studying music and drama at Huddersfield University but here is putting her lovely voice to use for Woodhouse.

The society is also delighted that three of its own dancers, Amanda Coldwell, Beki White and Emma Sykes are stepping up to take principal roles this time around.

Oscar Zito, a young performer who is training at Oscars College of Performing Arts in Huddersfield, plays his first role with Woodhouse as does Chris Fox of Dewsbury, who has one of the show’s toughest roles, that of Paul.

Box office is on 01484 430528. Performances run each evening from March 20-24 with a matinee on Saturday.