IT REALLY is a case of keeping it in the family with the Pierrot Players’ latest production.

The show, which opens in Shepley next week, is John Godber’s autobiographical play Happy Families, which follows his journey from teenager to drama teacher.

But it is not just that the show is about families. Lined up in the Pierrot Players’ cast are two sets of families.

The show’s director is Alistair Cheetham. When a cast member dropped out, Alistair found himself having to step into the role of Vic and playing Vic’s son was Alistair’s own real life son, Alex Watkins.

Alistair says that they have both found it strange playing as father and son on stage and have tried not to let the characters of Vic and John infiltrate their own relationship!

The father and son are not the only close family on stage.

Making their Pierrot debuts are sisters Helen Wright and Rachel Stead, who are perhaps fortunate not to be playing sisters on stage.

Helen is playing John’s prodigious cousin, Rebecca, while Rachel makes a brief but what promises to be a memorable appearance as John’s first squeeze, Lyn Sutton!

When Alistair was required to step into the role of Vic, Pierrot stalwart Joan Gough stepped in to help direct the play.

Players' chairman Christine Schofield is the play's producer. She’s having a busy time as she is also arranging a 60s Night in aid of Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Performances run from Wednesday until Saturday at 7.30pm at Shelley Village Hall.

Tickets are £5 from Shelley Stores, Westerley Way, Shelley and Shepley Newsagents, Station Road, Shepley.