THERE will be drama on the canal through Keighley district next month – but there’s no need to panic!

A traditional canal boat will act as a floating stage as a play focusing on the heritage of the waterway and the River Aire is performed.

Set on board 1930s boat The Ribble, the production – This Island’s Mine – invites audiences to join two characters in conversation and discover more about the history of the waterways.

Using simple props, it tells with humour the story of friends Barbara and Danny – who grew-up in Dockfield, Shipley.

The play has been commissioned by the Aire Rivers Trust’s Developing the Natural Aire project, in collaboration with grassroots organisations Canal Connections and Multi-Storey Water.

It will be performed by Claire-Marie Seddon and Steve Scott-Bottoms.

Director, Simon Brewis, said: “This Island’s Mine is a story for everyone because we are all shaped by the places where we live.

“Whether you have a vested interest in the waterways, industry and heritage, want to learn more about it or are simply looking for something to do – we’re here for you!

“Dockfield is a strip of land sandwiched between the River Aire and the Leeds and Liverpool Canal – hence the title.

“As we discover more about the characters’ island home with its happy memories there is a definite nostalgic air, but as they reminisce about its heavy industry we see that things actually weren’t always ‘better back then’ and their tale starts to map out a hopeful future for our waterways as Atlantic salmon return to the River Aire.”

Simon Watts, community engagement manager with the Aire Rivers Trust, said: “We are delighted to bring this play to the water and explore how Airedale has shaped – and continues to shape – our communities as river, canal and railway weave around each other.”

The show will be performed at 11 locations along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, starting in Leeds on September 9 and finishing at Skipton on September 25/26. Locally, there are 6pm and 8pm performances at Riddlesden on Monday, September 20, and at Silsden on Friday, September 24. Tickets cost £3.

To book, visit aireriverstrust.org.uk/this-islands-mine.