RONALD Harwood’s four-hander Quartet is the next production by award-winning Weeton & Huby Players.

The Players are hoping for more full houses following the success of recent productions, with a play that both celebrates old age and highlights its emotional and physical challenges.

It features two stalwarts of the local amateur theatre scene – Wharfedale Festival secretary Pat Riley, making her first appearance at Huby, and her husband Bernard, who is directing.

Familiar faces Pauline Moulsdale, Neil Muffitt and Chris Holland complete the cast.

Quartet, described as both funny and poignant, premiered in 1999 at the Albery Theatre, London.

In 2012 it was turned into a film directed by Dustin Hoffman and starring Dame Maggie Smith, Pauline Collins, Sir Tom Courtenay and Billy Connolly.

It follows former opera singers Cecily, Reggie and Wilfred, who often worked together in a home for retired musicians.

They are joined by diva and former colleague Jean who was briefly married to Reggie.Bernard Riley said: “Quartet is a challenge for the cast, who have to convey a wide range of emotions, but I am confident audiences will appreciate and enjoy the efforts of a company of skilled and experienced actors.”

“Ronald Harwood has provided them with a feast of witty and nostalgic material in a play which underlines that people do not wither away with age but continue to relish new challenges.”

Quartet is at Almscliffe Hall, Huby, on March 19-21 at 7.45pm.

Tickets (£7.50) are available from Mike Bidgood. Telephone 01423 734871; or e-mail mike.bidgood@leedsrugby.com