A Noel Coward story rescued from oblivion by a modern playwright comes to Keighley Playhouse three years after its West End debut.

Star Quality was staged in London with a cast including Penelope Keith, Una Stubbs and former Bill actor Russell Boulter.

Christopher Luscombe wrote the script by combining Coward's original short story and an unfinished play Coward drafted soon before his death.

The Playhouse presents this "wickedly funny" portrayal of the politics and personalities of the theatre world in Keighley on December 13-18.

The play follows a fictional West End production from tentative rehearsal to triumphant opening night as the clash of egos becomes increasingly bloody.

Characters range from a temperamental leading lady and a ruthless director to a cast of jaded old troopers and an innocent young playwright.

Tickets for Star Quality are on sale at Keighley Information Centre in the town hall, or by phoning 08451 267859 (office hours) or 01535 604764 (weekday evenings).

n Invention, comedy, music and pace are promised in a production of A Christmas Carol this month at Glusburn Institute.

The play will be performed by local people who have been rehearsing for the past month with professional actor David Robertson.

David -- who has appeared recently in Emmerdale and Heartbeat -- originally wrote his version of Charles Dickens' story for his own Theatre of the Dales.

The group told the famous story of Ebenezer Scrooge as if they were carol singers, in a faithful adaptation for the whole family.

A Christmas Carol will be staged in Glusburn on December 17. Phone David on 07986 988538 for details.

n Bradford Churches Choir presents Graham Kendrick's Christmas musical The Gift at Shipley United Reformed Church (December 9), Denholme Edge Church (10) and Clayton Baptist Church (11). Admission to 7.30pm performances is by a £3 optional donation. Phone Cheryl on 07801 017360 for details.