Having appeared in 25 plays and stage managed many others, Bingley Little Theatre's artistic director David Templeton is taking on a new role.

The group's former chairman will make his debut as a director in the Simon Brett whodunit, Silhouette, at Bingley Arts Centre from October 27 - November 1.

David, who is also well known to Keighley Playhouse audiences, said the move from acting would not have been possible without his backstage experience and his long-held interest in the mechanics of production.

He added: "Working in stage management has given me an insight into the ways in which different directors work as well as understanding the possibilities and problems of lighting, effects and stage design.

"I have always enjoyed the way the various components are put together to create a cohesive whole. I have been that kind of actor - happiest when both mechanics and motivation are there in equal measure.

"I'm very interested in the production as a whole package and am particularly keen on using sound and music to good effect. I'll have to see if my ideas find any favour with audiences."

David is delighted to have the chance to direct a play by one of his favourite crime writers, Simon Brett, who has written over 50 books including the Charles Paris, Mrs Pargeter and Feathering series.

"I like his intelligent characterisation and stylish, humorous writing. Although Silhouette is a murder mystery play it has some very funny dialogue.

"Brett also skilfully manipulates the time frame to change our view of the order of events which transforms a fairly standard whodunit into an intriguing play with an unexpected and ironic twist at the end."

In act one, Det Insp Bruton questions actress Celia Wallis about the murder of her husband Martin. The solution seem simple.

Act two takes place before the murder and all expectations of the characters as well as the plot are turned on their heads.

Book tickets at Keighley information centre in the town Hall, or phone 01274 432000.

n Macbeth (right) is performed as a fast-moving musical thriller as the Shakespeare 4 Kidz production comes to Halifax.

The Bard's words are mixed with modern language and epic songs for the November 5 presentation at the Victoria Theatre.

Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01422 351158.

n Several top shows due to be staged at St George's Hall, Bradford, will now go ahead at other venues.

Hall spokesman Adam Renton said others will take place next year when repairs to the ceiling are complete.

He said: "We are pleased to have re-arranged so many concerts, and staff are working round the clock to find alternative venues and dates.

"We have been contacting our customers by phone, letter or e-mail letting them know the situation."

Ken Dodd's December show will go ahead at St George's on February 28.

Four shows -- Mamma Mia, Noddy, Bollywood Nights and Rigoletto -- were cancelled because of the lack of appropriate venues and the promoters' schedules.

Re-scheduled shows moving to the Alhambra include: Def Leppard, October 19; Bradford band Smokie (formerly 9 October), October 20; Hall Orchestra, October 21 (formerly October 3); Festival of Remembrance, November 2 at 6pm; Hall Orchestra, November 23 (formerly December 6).

Re-scheduled shows at St George's Hall include Xtravaganza, January 5; The Circus of Horrors, January 17; Roll Out The Barrel, February 11 at 2pm; Dennis Locorriere, March 26; Halfway to Paradise - The Billy Fury Story, May 19.

Shows to now appear at Pennington's include Windmill Health and Strength, 25 October; The Saw Doctors, 9 December, and Thornton Vocal Union Christmas Carol Concert, 14 December.

Michael Ball will now be at the Victoria Theatre, Halifax, on November 26.

All shows start at 7.30pm unless otherwise stated.

St George's will re-open on January 4 with a Hall Orchestra concert. To book for all shows at the Alhambra and St George's Concert Hall, telephone 01274 432000.

n Sutton Amateurs are again at St Thomas' Hall, Sutton, for their annual pantomime on November 26-29.

This year's traditional family show is Jack and Jill and it will as usual feature adult principals and a children's chorus.

Tickets will be on sale soon from the Place's Place shop in Sutton.

n The former political editor of ITN, John Sergeant, will be sharing stories from over 30 years in broadcasting at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax next Friday.

Sergeant (pictured below right) will be recounting his wide-ranging career, including his time as a reporter covering conflicts in parts of the world such as Vietnam, the Middle East and Southern Asia.

He'll also share stories about his time as a political correspondent, travelling with the prime ministers of the day, including Margaret Thatcher, John Major and Tony Blair.

Who could forget the famous 'handbagging incident' with Margaret Thatcher outside the Paris Embassy two days before she resigned in 1990!

John will talk about his return to his first love in broadcasting, light entertainment, appearing as a guest on Have I Got News For You, Room 101 and the News Quiz.

n Ross Kemp takes to the road in his first Shakespearean role, a modern production of The Taming of the Shrew coming to Bradford Alhambra.

This new production of one of Shakespeare's best-loved comedies, and probably the most famous play ever written about the battle of the sexes, is set in 1960s Italy.

It stars Ross Kemp and Nichola McAuliffe as Shakespeare's most explosive couple: Petruchio, the flamboyant, brash adventurer in search of a wife (and her dowry), and Katharina, the "shrew", wilful, funny and viciously bad-tempered.

Ross Kemp, known for TV series Eastenders and Ultimate Force was "honoured" to be asked to play one of the lead roles.

He said: "It's a great challenge and one not to shy away from -- it's a great play and I'm loving every minute of it."

Taming of the Shrew is presented on November 5-8. Book at Keighley Information Centre or telephone 01274 432000.

n Folk singer-songwriter Steve Tilston appears with his band at the Love Apple, Bradford, the Sunday at 7.30 pm.

Tickets cost £8 (£6 concessions) from Offshoot, Cavendish Street, on the door, or by phoning 01535 661991. Price also includes a curry.

nMadama Butterfly is the latest operatic production to be performed in Halifax by the Ukrainian National Opera of Odessa.

Japanese soprano Manami Hama stars in the October 27 performance of Puccini's classic tale of love and tragedy, at the Victoria Theatre.

Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01422 351158.

Za-Ji, a Chinese acrobatic spectacular, is at the Victoria on Tuesday at 7.30pm.