A production of a short story by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle is being staged at the New Bradford Playhouse to raise funds for the theatre.

Lost Special has been adapted by playwright Jonathan Hall, founder of the Snowgoose Theatre Company, based in Saltaire.

“All profits from the show will go back to the Playhouse in order to help keep the venue alive. It’s massively important to the area,” says director Martin Knowles.

Lost Special is the story of a train that disappears one afternoon. The New Bradford Playhouse is currently being run by husband-and-wife team Jono and Claire Gadsby (pictured). As Takeover Events & Theatre Ltd, they are leasing the building from liquidators.

The couple are developing use of the property, which has a 300-seat main theatre, a 70-seat studio and a cabaret area in the basement bar, prior to making a formal bid. If they get the green light next month, longterm plans will include transforming the building’s exterior, highlighting its presence on Leeds Road “It’s a beautiful Art Deco building and we want to build on that,” says Jono.

Projects include Jonathan Hall’s ‘page-to-stage’ writing workshops, a resident jazz band, and Late Lounge sessions. Lost Special runs at the New Bradford Playhouse from March 5 to 9. For tickets ring (01274) 308727.