Actors and musicians have vowed the show must go on - despite being plagued by a string of misfortune in the run up to their next performance.

Bingley Amateur Operatic Society is putting the finishing touches to its production of Rodgers and Hammerstein's Oklahoma! at Bingley Arts Centre later this month.

But the production suffered a setback when leading man Robert Edwards, who plays Curly, had to have his tonsils removed just a few weeks into rehearsals.

When musical director Judith Idle, who was playing piano during rehearsals, broke her wrist, it seemed the group's fortunes could only get better. But performers were dealt another blow when their choreographer Jacqui Drake was forced to pull out because of illness.

Bingley Amateur Operatic Society's Jennifer Wood said: "All these people are booked well in advance and the circuit is fairly tight around here."

The group's accompanist Audrey Glover stepped in to play the piano at rehearsals while Paul Nowland took over the choreographer's role.

"There are a lot of amateur operatic societies here so to get someone at this late stage and as good as him is really fortunate," said Mrs Wood.

"The rehearsals are going well. The show's director Tony Cross, from Bingley, is fairly experienced and is calm as ever."

Oklahoma! tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance with farmer girl Laurey Williams. Their love is challenged by Laurey's threatening farmhand, Jud Fry, and much of the play follows the contest between Curly and Jud for Laurey's affections.

Bingley Amateur Operatic Society raises thousands of pounds every year for charities in the area.

The group, which is based in Ferncliffe Road, Bingley, recently donated £1,000 apiece to Oxenhope hospice, Manorlands, the Talking Telegraph and Candlelighters - from the proceeds of its shows.

"We hope to be able to give at least the same amount to charities next year," said Mrs Wood. "It's all dependent on the ticket sales."

Tickets are still available for Oklahoma! at Bingley Arts Centre from November 20 to 25. For tickets call Bradford Theatres box office on (01274) 432000.

e-mail: fiona.evans@bradford.newsquest.co.uk