Andrew Lloyd Webber’s much-loved musical Whistle Down The Wind is being staged in Elland later this month.
The production by Southgate Drama Group will be on from January 21 to 24 at the Christian Centre, Southgate Methodist Church, Elland. The four evening performances start at 7.15pm and the Saturday matinee at 2.15pm.
Based on the well know film starring Hayley Mills, Whistle Down the Wind tells the story of Swallow (Sophie Goldthorpe), Brat (Ellie Doran) and Poor Baby (Oskar Tikadar) who live with their widowed father, Boone (Dave Hoyle) in 1950s deep South Louisiana.
Swallow is at an impressionable age and misses her late mother. She discovers a mysterious man (Chris Walker) hiding in the barn and when she asks who he is the first words he utters are ‘Jesus Christ.’ It’s as if all her prayers have been answered. The man is, in fact, a murderer on the run.
So begins a tale of a fugitive caught between the prejudice of the townsfolk who try to seek him out and the innocence of children who swear to protect him.
Amos (Mick Bray), and his girlfriend Candy (Grace Alsancak,) long to break free from the restrictive town of Louisiana and to step out into the modern world beyond while the townsfolk are happy for it to remain as it has always been.
However, Amos’ desire for a new life is tested when he has to make a choice between Swallow and Candy.
The show reaches an unexpected and dramatic conclusion.
The emotive story line is backed by a musical score that is both heart stirring and upbeat ‘rock and roll’ which includes No Matter What (made famous by Boyzone), A Kiss is a Terrible Thing to Waste (Meatloaf) and the title song Whistle Down the Wind, making this a show not to be missed.
The production team of Keira Watson and Helen Alsancak bring the story to life with a large cast and crew made up of members from Southgate Church, local schools and the wider community.
Tickets are on sale now and can be bought in advance from Bramley’s Estate Agents, Victoria Road, Elland, or by phoning the ticket hotline on 07773 733102. Ticket prices are adults £8 (£9 on the door) and under 16s £6 (£7 on the door).
