FANCY putting on a show in just 24 hours...?

Bradford Playhouse is holding its annual 24-Hour Show - with cast and crew working through the night on auditions, rehearsals, set, prop and costume-making - and is seeking people to take part.

"Ever fancied treading the boards, but you're not keen on months of rehearsals? Do you want to get behind the scenes and light a stage, create a soundscape or build an elaborate set, but don't have the time? Maybe you'd just like to witness what a bunch of people can create within one spin of the earth's axis! If so, the 24-Hour Show is the event for you!" says David Ayres, a director of the event.

The show will be revealed at at the Playhouse at 7.30pm on Friday, October 8. Those who want to act will audition then learn lines and practice dance routines. Those working backstage will be assigned to making costumes, acquiring and building props and sets, hanging lights and checking sound. The show will be staged on Saturday, October 9 at 7.30pm.

"There really is no other experience like it, and everyone is so warm and welcoming," said David. "It's not about perfection, it's all about having a go and dipping your toes in. I'd encourage anyone to try at least once. Grab your hat, your cane (or your drill or sewing machine) and get involved. There's no business like 24-hour showbusiness!"

The 24-Hour Show is in its seventh year at Bradford Playhouse. The last one was an Abba music spectacular in 2019, directed by David. "I'd directed many shows, TV pilots and short films, but never anything in 24 hours," he said. "There I was, standing on stage in front of an auditorium full of participants, about to reveal what show we'd be doing. Only the production team knew what it was. As we revealed it, everyone applauded.

"From that point, those helping backstage were whisked away, whilst the cast was straight into auditions. By 10.30pm the show had been cast, and all-night rehearsals had kicked off. The rehearsals worked in three teams. At the top of the Playhouse were the dance rehearsals, on the middle floor was the musical director, then in the Studio was me taking the cast through the acting of each scene.

"Groups of actors spent the night rotating between these departments, rehearsing each scene. The schedule was expertly planned by the producer, Lanna Howard, who kept the whole event running like clockwork. At around 4am, everyone was given a sleep break for a couple of hours. I only managed around 20 minutes; my brain wouldn’t switch off, and there's only so much sleep you can get on the Playhouse office floor. By 6am, everyone was straight back into rehearsals with help from a full English breakfast. From 8am, we were on to running each scene with acting, singing and dancing combined. It was at this point that I knew I was dealing with an extremely talented group of performers. And what the set builders and prop makers had achieved in such a small space of time was jaw-dropping. "Time flew as cast got fitted for costumes, the dress rehearsal was run, and the audience started to arrive. Then it was show time - and what a show!"

* For more about this year's show contact Megan Wilson on 01274 800415