Jonathan is a chip off the old block

The famous play by Frederick Knott will again be presented by Bingley Little Theatre, from May 19-24.

Harden man Frank, 72, says: "I'd forgotten I had been in it, but I'm sure seeing it again will revive a lot of memories."

Frank and his wife Ros have appeared in 17 plays with BLT over the years and are delighted that Jonathan is following in their footsteps.

Jonathan, 42, first trod the boards with the society in a Christmas play, The Hunter and The Henwife, when he was 13.

"It was the last play at the old theatre. My dad played the wicked wizard and I was a furry animal!"

Since then Jonathan has taken part in many plays at BLT, where he met his wife Jacqueline.

She appeared in the comedy Don't Dress For Dinner earlier this season and is assistant stage manager for Dial M for Murder.

The play was first performed on the fledgling BBC television in 1952 when Frederick Knott couldn't get a theatre to accept his script.

But West End stage success quickly followed, and by the following year it was running in eight countries. Alfred Hitchcock turned it into a film starring Grace Kelly.

Dial M For Murder tells the story of Wendice, a former British tennis star, who married Sheila for her money.

When he finds out she has had an affair with Max he fears he may lose his 'meal ticket' and begins to plot her murder. He hires a killer, but things go wrong.

Robin Martin, the director, says the play gave its name to a whole genre of West End and cinematic thrillers.

"It's a good old fashioned thriller which I am doing in an old fashioned way, with a very nostalgic 50s feel."

It also provided the name for a group of murder mystery players, known as Dial M, who perform throughout Yorkshire.

Its members include Howard Clements, who plays Max in the Bingley Little Theatre production.

"I'm delighted to have the chance to take part in the original Dial M," said well-known local performer Howard.

Dial M for Murder is performed nightly at 7.30pm in Bingley Arts Centre.

Book tickets by phoning 01274 432000, or at Keighley information centre in the town hall.

nDawn French, a fairground barker and a band of French revolutionaries are being brought together by Steeton Male Voice Choir.

The award-winning singers will perform a diverse programme tomorrow at a concert in aid of the Save the Children Fund.

The concert in Bingley Parish Church at 7.30pm includes the 23rd Psalm and the theme from Dawn French's comedy The Vicar of Dibley.

There will also be Bring Him Home and You'll Never Walk Alone from the musicals Les Miserables and Carousel.

Other items include The Rhythm of Life, Sanctus and Voice of the Child. Book tickets on 01274 569870 or 01274 562699.

nJulian Clary celebrates 20 years in showbiz by bringing his latest tour to St George's Hall in Bradford.

The camp icon, stand-up comedian and star of risque game shows performs on Sunday May 18 at 8pm.

Book tickets for the "natural born mincer" tour at Keighley Information Centre, or phone 01274 432000.

Darius, the chart-topping singer from Popstars and Pop Idol, performs at the hall on May 20 at 7.30pm.

Leading Abba tribute band Voulez Vous performs tonight at 8pm.

nTall tales and ancient myths will be presented at Glusburn Institute this month as part of the Craven Festival of Puppetry.

Performances will be given on May 23 by Poppet Puppets and the locally-based Black Cat Theatre.

Tall Tales and Nursery Rhymes (5pm) is a "charming and captivating" show for three to eight-year-olds featuring a host of fairytales.

The Goddess (7pm) is inspired by the Hindu mythological themes of creation, destruction and preservation.

Different aspects of the Goddess are portrayed for children aged seven and above, using body, shadow masks, objects and puppets.

Book on 01535 632261 or at the Anything Goes shop in Cross Hills. Other puppet shows are in Skipton and Settle on May 24/25.

nAn Inspector Calls again at the Alhambra Theatre as J. B. Priestley's classic drama returns to Bradford.

The Royal National Theatre's acclaimed staging (pictured above right), which has won more awards than any other in history, runs Tuesday to Saturday.

The play portrays the destruction of a prosperous family through the revelations of a visiting police inspector.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or phone 01274 432000.

nA football-themed exhibition by a "modern-day Lowry" kicks off tomorrow at the Woodware Art Gallery in Skipton.

Limited edition prints, sculptures and collectables by Mackenzie Thorpe are on display until May 24 at the gallery in Victoria Square.

Thorpe rose to fame to the patronage of William Hague and his fans now include Elton John, Bill Wyman and Cameron Mackintosh.

The gallery is open Mondays to Saturdays (10am-5pm) and Sundays (1-4pm). Telephone 01756 796459.

nTwo former Doctor Who stars appear in the comedy thriller Corpse! during its visit to Bradford on May 20-24.

Colin Baker and Louise Jameson are joined by former Blue Peter presenter Peter Duncan in the hit play.

Corpse! shows how an out-of-work actor plots to kill his brother so he can assume his identity and inherit a fortune.

Theatrical tricks and plot twists abound. Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01274 432000.

nFormer top cop John Stalker stars in the Rocky Horror Show as it returns to Leeds' Grand Theatre.

West End star Jonathan Wilkes also appears in the camp musical during its May 19-24 residence.

The audience is expected to dress up as the characters -- stockings and suspenders preferred -- and sing along with songs like Timewarp and Damn It Janet.

Book tickets at Keighley Information Centre or phone 0113 222 6222.