THE Cononley community play, under the guidance of award winning writer Keith Bowen, is taking shape and set for its world premier in October.

The play will be the culmination of an evening of entertainment and drama that will celebrate the village of Cononley, by posing the question "Do things really change, or is it a case of what goes around comes around?"

The play entitled The Cononley Circle will take a look at village life past, present and future, the prologue to which will be a range of contributions from village people.

The producers will soon be looking for local people to become involved in the event, either as performers or to help with staging and support for the entertainment.

The first event will be a play workshop day on Saturday August 5 at the Church Centre for teenagers and adults, followed by two fun days for younger children who will be making three large banners, advertising the play.

Rehearsals will begin in September leading up to three performances on October 26, 27 and 28 in Cononley School, subject to county approval.

Community Play chairman Dave Potts said: "I hope that those people who are new to the village or have not previously been involved in drama events will also use this opportunity to take part in this celebration. It will be fun and I am sure there is still a wealth of undiscovered talent out there to add to our existing pool."

And Mr Bowen, from Different Stages Theatre Company, said: "The organisers are a dedicated and committed group, and the history of the village of Cononley has provided a wealth of inspiration from which to write The Cononley Circle.

"I hope that the organising committee will get the full support of the village to ensure this is a success for the participants and audiences. I guarantee the play will be both entertaining and memorable and I am looking forward to working with the cast and crew."

The community play performances are designed to coincide with the launch of the village history book of Cononley. Both will be unique, memorable one-off events to celebrate the new millennium in the village. Over 400 copies of the book have been ordered to date and the play draws on some of this material for its dramatic content.

Details of who to contact and how to get involved will shortly be circulated to all households in the village.

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