One Foot in the Graveyard -- Central Methodist Church Hall

For local children the road to joining youth theatre HYT is a long one.

It begins at the annual three-evening workshop held at the group's headquarters in the basement of Keighley College.

The most committed youngsters are invited to spend a year with the H-Club learning performance and personal development skills.

The work culminates in an hour-long presentation in front of friends, family and other HYT followers.

The most promising young performers -- usually less than half a dozen -- are invited to fill vacant places in the main HYT group.

But that doesn't mean the rest of the H-Club are untalented: far from it, as the club's annual show proves.

While not all the children are drama prodigies or potential stars, they do all have the enthusiasm and professionalism to do their best.

This year's presentation, One Foot in the Graveyard, lacked the polish or ambition of a full-scale HYT production, but was still entertaining in its own right.

Ollie Scott's light-hearted script, peppered with corny jokes and situations, was set in the monster realm of Teethley.

The hero was Will, a young man who come next full moon would turn into a werewolf for the first time.

Reluctant to follow his destiny, he fled to the real world, with his friends in hot pursuit.

Luckily for Frank N Stein,Valerie Vampiress, Bob Blob and Duncan Dracula, it was Hallowe'en and everyone was dressed like them.

The children from both worlds met, screamed and made friends before the final twist and a happy ending.

Charlotte Crossley and Sarah Scott, who directed the play, will be recruiting a new set of H-Clubbers for workshops in September.

Phone Charlotte on 01535 654093 if you're interested.

David Knights