A WELL-known Keighley actress is taking the lead role in a rarely-performed musical.

Katrina Wood, who has appeared numerous times on stage with Keighley Musical Theatre Company and at the town's playhouse, is to star as wise-cracking Anna in The Rink.

The production is being staged by Bingley Little Theatre from Monday, July 3, to Saturday July 8.

"I have had some great roles in musicals and plays over the years but this is something else – how could I possibly have said no?" says Katrina.

"For a small musical, The Rink – by the powerhouse duo of Kander and Ebb, famous for Chicago and Cabaret to name just two of their hits – proves itself to be a treasure trove of riches.

"It features a generational conflict as mother goes head-to-head with daughter over a long-held family business, but scratch the surface and there is so much more to be gleaned.

"It’s a lovely story."

The musical explores the relationship between Anna and her estranged daughter Angel, played by Danni Peake, on the day their family's roller rink – sold to developers – is demolished.

"Anna is stopped from leaving to catch a flight by the return of her daughter who demands that the demolition be halted," says a Bingley Little Theatre spokesperson.

"The Rink cleverly uses the opposing characteristics of its leads and the duality of their recollection of the rink and the memories it houses to show the audience that the truth is somewhere blurred in the middle. Anna is a tough matriarch who was always the prettiest girl in town; to her the rink represents a lifetime of regret, self-denial and wasted potential. Angel, less confident, worldly and well-travelled, remembers its warmth and familial comfort."

Katrina describes her part as "a great role in a great show".

She adds: "The icing on the cake is the hilarious ensemble cast of six demolition men – a valuable gem in this piece, playing family members, ex-lovers and former colleagues. Their performance of The Rink on roller skates will surely be one of the highlights! I also have to do a bit of skating myself.

"Musical theatre aficionados will not want to miss this rare opportunity to catch up with the show."

For ticket information and to book for the show, at Bingley Arts Centre, visit bingleyartscentre.co.uk or call the box office on 01274 567983, between 10am and 1pm.