A STAR organist who played for the current hit film Little Voice is coming to Skipton's Plaza Cinema to inaugurate its new organ.

'Queen of the Keys' Frieda Hall, who accompanies Lancashire actress Jane Horrocks in the movie, will tinkle the ivories of the Plaza's newly-installed Conn 651 theatre organ before a special showing of Little Voice next month.

Octogenarian Frieda has spent a lifetime playing the organ, and even had her own TV special in the 1960s, in which the likes of Bruce Forsyth and Des O'Connor guested.

And after spending 13 years doing summer seasons at the Spa in Scarborough, a contact in the town put her in touch with the makers of Little Voice, who needed just her sort of talent for the film.

And because the film, also starring Michael Caine, was shot in the seaside resort, Frieda was the ideal choice for the supporting role.

But the film was just the latest in a long line of engagements which keep Frieda as busy as ever, travelling the country performing concerts.

One of her regular bookings in the north is at the Rex Cinema in Elland, owned by Charles Morris who recently took over at the Plaza in Skipton.

As the pre-movie recitals have proved highly successful in Elland, Charles decided to install an organ at the historic Plaza and invite Frieda to break it in.

Frieda told the Herald: 'When they picked me for the film they asked me to play the theme from The Dambusters, so I think I will start with that when I come to Skipton. I was delighted to be part of the cast, swanning about in these elegant gowns, and Michael Caine was especially nice to me. It will be a pleasure to come and play at the Plaza and I hope it goes down very well.'

Charles Morris is setting aside the afternoon of Wednesday February 3 for a special showing of Little Voice, so the older people of Skipton can get along to hear Frieda - once billed as the 'Phantom Fingers'.

He said: 'Frieda has worked wonders at the Rex and she has had a fantastic career. It's quite a coup for us to get her. As well as her prestigious TV work in London she played for years at the New Victoria Cinema in Bradford and then spent two happy years at the New Cinema, Ilkley.'

l Charles will be showing Little Voice for seven days from next Friday.

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