A POWERFUL drama about a capitalist businessman who puts his factory before his family is being performed by the Adel Players.

Rutherford and Son is by Githa Sowerby, a pioneering female playwright of the Edwardian and Victorian eras, who based her principal character, factory owner John Rutherford, on her formidable grandfather, John Sowerby, who turned his father’s struggling glassworks into an international market leader.

Rutherford raises his sons to run his Yorkshire glassworks and his daughter to run the house. But when their thoughts turn to freedom the future of the company, and the family, are put at risk.

Director Pat Riley says the message of Sowerby’s play will strike a chord with today’s theatre-goers.

“Putting the worship of commercial and social success before the needs of people is as destructive today as it was when Githa Sowerby wrote this play,” said Pat.

“This story is timeless. That is why it is not just a good play – it is a great play.”

The drama society has won Wharfedale Festival of Theatre awards for stage design and stage presentation for the last two years. Constructing the set for Sowerby’s powerful play has been their most ambitious project to date.

Rutherford and Son runs at Adel Memorial Hall until tomorrow at 7.30pm. Tickets are on (0113) 275 5585.

lBradford singers Louise Foster and Leon Waksberg are preparing to set sail in a lively production of The Pirates of Penzance.

The production is by Halifax Gilbert and Sullivan Society, which recently won the coveted Noda Award for Best Show for last year’s production of The Mikado, and Leon won the Best Principal Award for his performance as Ko-Ko.

Louise recently played Aline in Hull Savoyards’ production of The Sorcerer. Completing the main trio in the Pirates cast is Colin Fine, playing the Major General. Colin stepped in to buy the New Bradford Playhouse this summer, ensuring its future as a theatre.

The Pirates of Penzance runs at Halifax Playhouse from November 4-8. Tickets are on (01422) 381931. The audience is encouraged to dress as pirates to join in the fun. For more details visit halifaxgands.org.uk