The Accrington Pals, West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds

The First World War inspired many writers to capture the hell of the trenches and the huge loss of life.

But fewer tend to concentrate on the impact the war had on the women left behind.

Peter Whelan's play focuses on the women from the Lancashire mill town, whose men gleefully accepted the chance to escape poverty at home and do their bit for King and country.

But as the reality of the conflict strikes home their patriotism and bravado are replaced by fear and cynicism. Whelan's play doesn't really say anything that hasn't been said before and at two and a half hours feels over-long, but it is a solid piece of work that creates a strong feel of both time and place. There are fine performances all round, particularly from Jane Hazlegrove and Zoe Henry as May and Eva, and from Tom Lister and Malcolm Scaites as the young recruit and his bullish sergeant.

With thousands of British troops preparing for conflict in the Middle East, The Accrington Pals is a timely reminder of the true cost of war.

The Accrington Pals runs until March 29. To book phone 0113 2137700.

Calamity Jane, Grand Theatre, Leeds

She can out shoot, out ride and outwit many a man, but underneath her tough exterior Calamity Jane is a woman who needs to be loved.

The musical is a tale of unrequited love and how you find love where you least expect it.

The film was a classic and to fill Doris Day's shoes is a formidable task, but 80s singer Toyah Wilcox tackles the role in her own unique style to deliver a performance that is energetic and enthralling.

The choreography is stunning and use of limited sets and lighting make the show move along well. Mention has to go to Alasdair Harvey as Wild Bill and Kellie Ryan (Katie Brown), who both gave strong performances, and Garry Kilby (Lt Danny Gilmartin) leading the chorus in the song Black Hills of Dakota was a highlight.

Calamity Jane is a feel-good musical that is not to be missed.

* Performances tonight and tomorrow. To book phone 0113 222 6222.

Dean Harness

A Woman Killed With Kindness, Viaduct Theatre, Halifax

Watching Northern Broadsides' production, it is hard to believe Thomas Heywood's play is 400 years old. The morality play displays the same human traits of greed and kindness, lust and love, and revenge and forgiveness that are played out weekly on our TV soaps.

The domestic tragedy follows the demise of seemingly faithful wife Anne Frankford, who falls for the dashing but hard up gentleman Wendoll, just as she celebrates her marriage to John.

But their secret affair is not secret for long.

A second conflict is also played out between rich young knights Sir Francis Acton and Sir Charles Mountford, which leads to the second man losing his fortune, a situation Sir Francis seeks to rectify when he falls in love with Charles's sister Susan.

What impresses about this production, and others by the company, is that it treats the language as something to be savoured and cherished, rather than used merely as a vehicle for the story, which, by the way, is told with Broadsides' usual clarity. Artist director Barrie Rutter has rightly put his faith in a company of actors who do the play justice, with former Coronation Street actor Richard Standing particularly fine as the wronged husband.

* The production runs until tomorrow. For details ring 01422 369704. The play will also visit Salts Mill, Saltaire, from April 10-13, Skipton Auction Mart, April 25-26, and West Yorkshire Playhouse, Leeds, May 20-31.

Richard Brgger

The NME Carling Tour, Leeds Metropolitan University

As The Thrills opened proceedings, enthusiastic indie kids were eager to check out the hype surrounding the Irish combo.

Hand-picked by Morrissey for the British leg of his tour last year, they haven't looked back, quirky warm and fuzzy with an edge of retro indie sentimentality. Interpol have also had their fair share of press adulation. Foppish fringes and snappy suits are directly from the school of Joy Division and The Chameleons.

Sharp riffs that occasionally nick the odd melody. Art meets good looks, but not interesting enough to be important.

The Polyphonic Spree were undoubtedly the most hyped of the gathering. At the last count there were 24 in the band, dressed in white robes. Their evangelical indie pop swept across the audience like a tidal wave of healing happiness. The huge choruses do indeed take one's breath away.

Headliners The Datsuns rock in an odd demented 70s time warp. It's hip, it's happening and the kids love it, but I just don't get it

James Heward