Popular local thespian Mark Simister will be making a welcome return to Yeadon Town Hall stage when he revives his celebrated portrayal of Hysterium in The Grove and Rawdon’s production of A Funny Thing Happened On The Way To the Forum next month.

Mark, who is well-known in the Wharfedale area for the many roles he has played for various companies, hasn’t performed at Yeadon since appearing in Yeadon Amateur’s production of Hello Dolly in 2007.

However, he has been very busy entertaining audiences in a seemingly endless number of plays at both Ilkley and Keighley Playhouses where he recently played Mickey in Willy Russell’s modern classic Blood Brothers.

Forum is Mark’s first appearance with GRTC although he did perform twice with The Grove Theatre Company, in Me and My Girl and Crazy For You, before they merged with Rawdon Amateurs in 2002. However this isn’t the first time Mark has played Hysterium, having played him at Guiseley ten years ago for the Barnstormers.

“The Barnstormers’ production was loads of fun back in 1999 and I loved playing Hysterium so when GRTC approached me to recreate the role I jumped at the chance,” said Mark.

“Forum is an extremely funny show, full of quips and witty double entendres; local audiences who remember the Barnstormers production will know they are in for a great night of fun and frolics!”

Mark will be joined on stage by an extremely experienced and talented cast which includes both GRTC regulars and others who are making their debuts with the company. Richard Lloyd, who has played many roles with the company, including The Big Bopper in The Buddy Holly Story in 2006, will be taking on the difficult role of Pseudolus whilst fellow GRTC regular Steve Jamieson plays Senex.

Professionally trained actress Marie Carter takes on the role of Domina, whilst fellow professional Donald Stephenson plays Miles Gloriosus.

Forum is a famous musical farce set in Ancient Rome. Pseudolus, a slave to a Roman family, schemes to become free and his young master, Hero, promises freedom if Pseudolus can obtain a beautiful girl, Philia, whom Hero has seen from his bedroom window.

Delightfully unsavoury characters, a befuddled father with a shrewish wife, neighbours, strangers and the Roman army are all drawn into the confusion as this mounting side-splitting comedy unwinds.

Forum will be performed from November 11-14 at Yeadon Town Hall and tickets are on sale now from the box office on 0113 2505011.