A STALWART of the stage in Keighley who these days devotes much of his time to directing is treading the boards once again.

Peter Whitley just weeks ago was director for Keighley Musical Theatre Company's hugely successful panto, Puss in Boots, at the town's Victoria Hall.

Now he is making a long-awaited return to the stage in Ilkley.

He is playing Max von Mayerling – the devoted butler of fading screen legend Norma Desmond in Ilkley Musical Theatre's production of the acclaimed Andrew Lloyd-Webber musical, Sunset Boulevard.

"I last performed with Ilkley Musical Theatre back in 2008 – in The King and I – so you could say I am due a return!" says Peter.

His latest stage appearance also marks something of a reunion for him.

Many years ago, he played opposite Rachel McMahon – who stars as Norma Desmond in the show – in Me and My Girl.

Since starring as the King of Siam 16 years ago, Peter has wowed audiences in Keighley with a number of leading roles – including Max Bialystock in The Producers, Fagin in Oliver!, Tevya in Fiddler on The Roof and Wilber in Hairspray.

Sunset Boulevard is based on Billy Wilder’s classic film, in which the legendary director Erich von Stroheim starred as Max, the mysterious manservant of Norma Desmond.

Peter says that with him now devoting much of his time to directing, it's appropriate that he should make his stage return in this particular role.

"Nowadays I have stepped back a little from being on stage – mainly directing the annual Keighley panto," he adds.

"But I am really looking forward to being on stage once again, with Rachel."

A spokesperson for Ilkley Musical Theatre says: "Amateur theatre fans who have missed seeing Peter on stage in recent years are sure to be in for a treat.

"Lloyd-Webber’s Tony Award-winning masterwork includes With One Look, The Perfect Year and As If We Never Said Goodbye – and Peter sings the yearning classic, The Greatest Star of All."

Sunset Boulevard runs at the King's Hall, Ilkley, from Wednesday, March 6, until Saturday, March 9.

Weekday performances start at 7.15pm, and on the Saturday there are shows at 1.30pm and 6.30pm.

For further information and tickets, go to ilkleyoperatic.co.uk

Ilkley Amateur Operatic Society was originally founded in 1923.

Activities were curtailed during the Second World War, but the society reformed in the 1960s.