WELL-KNOWN performers with Keighley theatre groups are heading to the South Sea islands this month.

Richard Aldham and Anne Tonks play major roles in the popular musical South Pacific for Buttershaw St Paul's Amateurs.

The show portrays the romance between Emile de Becq, a French planter, and a young US navy girl who is based on his island during the Second World War.

Richard, who plays Emile and sings several classic songs like Some Enchanted Evening, has appeared in many productions for Sutton Amateurs and Keighley Amateurs productions.

He gave a memorable performance as The Pirate King in the Broadway version of Pirates Of Penzance for Buttershaw St Paul’s, opposite Anne Tonks as Mabel.

Anne, also a Keighley Amateurs veteran, plays the Tonkinese role of Bloody Mary and promises lovely renditions of songs like Bali Ha'i and Happy Talk.

Emile’s daughter, is played by-11-year-old Katie-Mae Ramsey who played the title role of Annie for Buttershaw St Paul’s last year.

Her younger brother is played by seven-year-old Fraser Campbell, from Harden, a member of a well-known theatrical family who perform with Keighley Amateurs and Keighley Playhouse.

The production is being directed by Kevin Moore, another regular actor at Keighley Playhouse.

Anne, chairman of Buttershaw St Paul’s, said: “This will be Kevin's fourth production for the society and he has given us another winning production.”

South Pacific is at St George’s Hall, Bradford, from next Tuesday to Saturday, including a Saturday matinee.

Visit Bradford-theatres.co.uk or call 01274 432000 to book tickets theatre.