“Never work with children and animals” goes the old saying. You’d think that after eight decades, Yeadon Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society would be well aware of it, but their next show – popular musical Gypsy – features both children and animals.

Finding children hasn’t been a problem for the society, which celebrates its 80th anniversary this year, but finding a lamb, for a scene in the first act, hasn’t been so easy. If anyone happens to have a lamb they think could adapt well to the stage, the society would love to hear from them. Ring Adam Gregory on (01943) 462218 or Linda Marshall on (0113) 2503032.

Directed by David Kirk, and starring Helen Clarke, Paul Chewins and Gemma Durkin, Gypsy features songs such as Everything’s Coming Up Roses and Together Wherever We Go.

It’s the tale of Vaudeville’s decline through the eyes of a domineering stage mother who inadvertently turns her daughter into the highest-paid burlesque stripper of the 1930s and 40s, Gypsy Rose Lee. Gypsy runs at Yeadon Town Hall from March 16 to 20. Tickets are from (0113) 2029524 or Dance Attitude, 2 High Street, Yeadon.

* Over at Otley Courthouse, a packed crowd turned out for ‘The S Factor’. Comic Helen Keen kicked off a season of science-based events at the Courthouse with The Primitive Methodist Guide to Arctic Survival, an entertaining account of 1866 whaling ship Diana which became trapped in the Arctic. Helen’s great-great-great-grandfather was one of the icebound crew struggling to survive before returning to his native Hull.

“Packed with gags, science, silliness, dodgy props and useful tips for surviving in the Arctic, the show was enchanting, funny and quirky,” says Mary-Ellen Wyard from the Courthouse. The S Factor is a partnership of Otley Science Festival and organisations including UK Resource Centre for Women in Science, Engineering and Technology and the Museum of Science and Industry.

The next events are Science Policy and Power on Saturday, February 27, and What A Load Of Rubbish on Friday, March 12. Visit otleycourhouse.org.uk for details.