PROFESSIONAL singer and actress Sarah Earnshaw will help Yeadon Theatre Company mark its 90th anniversary by becoming its patron.

Sarah is taking up the role for the forthcoming production of Oklahoma!

Sarah who is a regular on the West End, and has performed in shows such as Wicked and Some Mothers Do ‘Ave Em, is a former member of Yeadon Theatre Company and starred in Oklahoma when the company last performed it, back in March 2000. She played the lead role of Laurey, which this time is being played by Lizzie Wlodarczyk.

Chairperson of YTC, Dorothy Darnbrough said: “We are delighted that Sarah is keen to be our patron. She played a fantastic Laurey when she performed in it with us 20 years ago and we want to recapture that magic with this fabulous show. It is extra special for us this year, as it is our 90th anniversary.”

She added: “We hope our audiences continue to support us this year as they have done in the past. As a charity, we have to work hard to keep our place on top billing and every year the crowds come out for us.

“We have a fantastic cast this year, once again with West End quality voices. We pride ourselves in delivering award winning productions and we hope to make this year even better than ever.”

The show, which is on stage at Yeadon Town Hall from March 10 to March 14, is described as “an all-round family classic” and tells the story of a headstrong cowgirl whose attentions are split between an earnest cowboy and a rogue farm hand. The much-loved Rodgers and Hammerstein musical includes timeless songs such as Oh what a beautiful morning, The surrey with a fringe on top and People will say we’re in love.

The cast features seasoned singers Chris Mooney as Curley, Lizzie Wlodarczyk playing Laurey, Jane Collins as Aunt Eller, Alex Schober as Will Parker, Henry Etherington as Jud Fry, Lucy Evans playing Annie, Dave Collins as Ali Akim and Jason Walker as Andrew Carnes.

Yeadon Theatre Company supporters enjoyed hearing Lucy and Lizzie sing at the recent Christmas Concert where they performed solos and a duet. A video of their performance has received more than 2000 views in a week on the theatre company’s Facebook page.

Tickets start at £16 and are available on 0333 666 3366 or at www.ticketsource.co.uk/ytc.

Yeadon Theatre Company describes itself as a “friendly, community run theatre company based in the heart of Yeadon.”

Established in 1930, it has a reputation for high quality theatrical productions.

On its website the group says: “We welcome members from all over from Yorkshire and pride ourselves in being a company that is open and approachable to members new and old. Most of our shows can be seen at Yeadon Town Hall but we do sometimes use other, more intimate venues.

Typically we do three shows a year; a big musical production, a smaller show and a Christmas Concert. We also hold other, smaller community events such as quiz nights, strawberry teas and coffee mornings.”