'BAD things come in threes' according to an old saying - and for a Guiseley theatre company that has never been truer.

The Follow Spot Theatre Company's production of the tap dance play, Stepping Out, was well into rehearsals with just weeks to go before opening night when a quiet Sunday afternoon almost turned into a disaster for founder member John Kitching.

Three people connected with the production pulled out, leaving the company short-handed - and with a desperate search for a West Indian woman to take on one of the key roles.

Contract stipulations for performing the play say that a West Indian must play the role of Rose.

Now, with just 14 days to go before opening night, Jennifer Ward James has taken over the role following an appeal.

Mr Kitching said: "It was an 11th hour appeal and we came very close to having a nightmare, so Jennifer's a Godsend.

"It all started with a telephone call from the production's director, Helen Lloyd, who wouldn't carry on because of an accident to her boy friend. This was quickly remedied as I could easily stand in and take over.

"Within an hour Maggie Davies, who was due to play Sylvia, was on the phone.

"She had fallen the previous night and fractured an ankle. But again this was not a major problem as there were other actresses who could be drafted in."

But then, said Mr Kitching, the problems really started.

"Two hours later Fiona Earlington, who was due to play Rose, rang to say that due to a change in her work commitments she would be unable to make any rehearsals and would also have to pull out."

Mr Kitching, who lives in Rufford Avenue, Yeadon, added: "It was rather a shock to get all the bad news on one Sunday afternoon, especially with only a few weeks to our opening night, but the show will go on."

All profits from the production are being donated to Leeds Mencap.

l Tickets for the play, which will be performed at Guiseley Theatre between Thursday, March 29, and Saturday, March 31, are on sale priced £4 adult, £3 concessions, from the company box office on (0113) 250 9440.