WELL-KNOWN Keighley actors are performing in the 75th anniversary show by the Baildon-based Westgate Drama Group.

Barbara Boothroyd, Mike Boothroyd and David Poole from Keighley Playhouse are amongst the cast of the show at the Copper Beach Club on November 26 and 27.

An Evening Of Entertainment – Celebrating 75 Years will take the place of the group’s annual three-act play, instead featuring excerpts from plays it has performed throughout the decades.

The show will begin with an excerpt from the very first play presented in 1940, Someone At The Door, a comedy thriller by Dorothy and Campbell Christie.

There will also be Blithe Spirit, Gaslight, When We Are Married, A Month Of Sundays, Shadowlands, Educating Rita and Time And The Conways.

Long-serving members of Westgate Drama Group, Sheila Hopkinson, Mary Greaves and Anthea Petts, are joined by Bingley Little Theatre regular Phil Holbrough as comperes for the evening.

Several actors are reprising their original roles in the players, including David Poole, who regularly performs with Keighley Playhouse and Bingley Little Theatre.

Husband-and-wife Barbara and Mike Boothroyd, also stalwarts at Keighley Playhouse, will also be seen on stage. Mike has directed plays at Westgate Drama Group.

Both Barbara and Mike are life members at Keighley Playhouse and have held several different offices during their time there.

At present Mike is vice chairman and box office manager and Barbara is the theatre photographer responsible for press, publicity and programme photographs.

Mike’s favourite roles include Brassed Off and Beyond Reasonable Doubt, while Barbara particular enjoyed her appearances as Mrs Lyons in Blood Brothers and the inimitable Cruella De Ville in 101 Dalmatians.

Barbara was for many years the principal boy in Keighley Amateurs pantomimes. She first met her husband during a Keighley Amateurs production of West Side Story even though they were in opposing gangs!

Anthea Petts, chairman of Westgate Drama Group, said: “It has been a tremendous achievement to reach 75 years of presenting theatrical productions in Baildon.

“But one of the most important aspects of Westgate Drama Group, and one which lies at the very heart of our being and the reason for our formation, is fundraising.

“Annually members of Westgate Drama Group nominate one organisation who will be supported by the group and receive a donation.”

This year’s beneficiary is Beechcliffe Special School in Keighley, who will benefit from the proceeds of the 75th anniversary show.

Call 01274 583901 to book tickets, which cost £8.