BRADFORD Catholic Players will present their last production at the Alhambra this autumn.

The society has been staging shows at the theatre for more than half a century but has decided to move on for future productions.

“It was a difficult decision as we have enjoyed a mutually supportive relationship with the Alhambra; a 54-year partnership working with a range of teams,” said Sylvia Dowgill from the society.

“Bradford Catholic Players was one of the founder members of the Alhambra Theatre Users Association under the chairmanship of Denis Chambers. We were delighted to be the first amateur group to perform in the newly refurbished theatre in 1986 and have enjoyed 28 successful productions since.”

Carousel will be the Players’ last show at the Alhambra.

Sylvia said the decision was down to “changing times and the fact that it’s becoming increasingly difficult to sell tickets in the current financial climate”.

She adds: “We have a limited choice of shows from the rights holders as we perform in a grade one theatre and many of the rights of top shows are reserved for professional companies.

“We fully appreciate the support of our sponsors who enable the BCP to be realistic with our ticket prices, especially our £5 ticket for under-18s. It has been a courageous decision by the BCP, and the company now looks forward to performing in a range of venues across the district in the future, reaching out to existing and new patrons of the arts.”

Carousel will be performed at 7.15pm from Wednesday, November 19, to Friday, November 21, and there will two performances on Saturday, November 22, at 1pm and 5.30pm. Tickets are on 01274 432000.

REHEARSALS are under way for a production of Aspects of Love, with Bradford actors in the cast.

The show, by Leeds Amateurs, is set to one of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber’s most moving scores, including the ballad Love Changes Everything made famous by Michael Ball. It tells a compelling story of passion, love, life and loss across three generations of a family over 17 years. Aspects of Love runs the Courtyard Theatre, Leeds, on November 7-8 and 11-15 at 7.15pm, with Saturday matinees at 2.15pm.