As rehearsals for the Grove and Rawdon Theatre Company's production of Buddy - The Buddy Holly Story' reach their final stages, the cast were given an unexpected lift when it was announced that Leeds writer Kay Mellor had agreed to become Honorary Patron of the company.

Kay, who is well known for her many popular TV series including Fat Friends' and latterly The Chase', came to see the company's production of Spend, Spend, Spend' in May and immediately offered to lend her support in any way she could.

The company is obviously delighted that Kay has accepted this honorary role and is looking forward to seeing her at Buddy'.

The Grove's Michele Turner can be forgiven if she is suffering a slight identity crisis at the moment. Michele, who some may remember played the very demanding role of Viv in the Grove and Rawdon Theatre Company's last production Spend Spend Spend', is currently rehearsing with the company for next week's production of Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story'.

She plays Vi, the wife of the 50s rock'n'roll group's music producer Norman Petty, who's name will forever be inextricably linked with that of Buddy Holly.

Michele is delighted to be performing again with the company at Yeadon Town Hall and takes on yet another challenge as Vi, since both Vi and Petty made considerable contributions to Holly's records themselves, sometimes playing keyboards at the recording sessions.

Michele intends to do some intensive training on the keyboards over the next few weeks, to help to perfect her performance.

Brian Luty, a regular performer with the company will be taking on the role of Vi's husband, Norman and is thrilled to be playing opposite Michele as one of the most important and, in some senses, controversial rock'n'roll producers of the late 50s.

This vibrant show, which features many of the popular 50s rock'n' roll hits like Johnny B Good', Chantilly Lace' and of course That'll be the Day' and Peggy Sue' is full of youthful energy and many of the talented cast will be playing instruments on stage during the performance.

It is a show that can be enjoyed by young and old alike, from those who can remember Buddy's music from their youth to those who just want to experience the simplicity and completeness of Buddy Holly's music for the first time. Buddy's sound was very much his own and it continues to weave its magic on audiences.

Buddy' will be performed at Yeadon Town Hall from November 14-18 at 7.30pm . Thursday, Friday and Saturday are fully booked.Tickets from the Box Office on 0700 044 6267.