A MURDER mystery unfolding behind the scenes of a 1930s boutique is the latest production from Keighley Playhouse.

There’s a motive for murder in Death in High Heels, a play adapted from a 1930s novel about bitter rivals in a women’s fashion shop.

There’s trouble in store when Frank Bevan, the owner of Christophe et Cie, announces he is to appoint one of his senior staff as general manager of a new branch in France. With two jealous rivals battling it out for the position, eyes narrow, claws come out and clandestine meetings turn to tragedy as the plot unfolds, matching murder with haute couture.

Director Geoff Whitley says: “The characters are very diverse and sharply defined, including a boss who has an eye for the women, an ambitious loyal and long-serving staff member, a flamboyant floor manager, and an over-emotional personal assistant, an insecure shop assistant and a brisk, bright senior saleswoman. They’re just some of the suspects in this clever plot depicting British crime from the ‘golden age’.

“The bitterness, jealousies and petty issues are all visible in this detailed mystery and it begins to open up a challenging case for Inspector Charlesworth. During his investigation he unstitches many secrets and lies that are widespread within this house of fashion.”

Death in High Heels runs at Keighley Playhouse from May 4-9. Tickets are on 07599 890 769.

lYOUNG bands from Bradford are being urged to take part in this year's Centre Stage contest.

The competition is aimed at raising funds for Martin House Children’s Hospice, with each act competing required to raise £1,000.

Three nights of heats and a music industry panel will decide this year’s finalists, who will compete at O2 Academy Leeds, in July, for a slot playing at the Leeds and Reading festivals and a music video by local film-makers Sodium.

Local acts competing this year include Mallrats, Mesmer, Atlanta House, Lone Guns, Huw Eddy, Porl Whos, Sugar Fury and Osea.

Mike Heaton, drummer of Brighouse band Embrace, who works closely on the project, said: “We have an exciting array of contenders so far, both soloists and bands so far and we can still accommodate more acts. , so I’d urge young acts to really seize this opportunity.It has been so satisfying to see past Centre Stage winners and finalists signing record deals and gigging the country.”

Participants must be between 11 and 21-years-old and from North or West Yorkshire. For more details call Sarah Smith on 01937 844569 or email ssmith@martinhouse.org.uk.