Rachel O'Connor previews the Northern Academy of Performing Arts production of Windy City

SERIOUS illness befalling the director just weeks before a show would put most organisations out of their stride but not the men from NAPA.

The ill wind that has seen Jonathan Tate rushed to hospital has barely caused a flutter in the experienced ranks NAPA had brought together for their production of Windy City.

Jonathan has been directing rehearsals for the Yeadon-based Northern Academy of Performing Arts' musical production to be staged at Guiseley Theatre from August 31 to September 4.

He was taken ill with leaking cerebral fluid and is expected to be out of action for over two months.

Jonathan's fellow principals at NAPA - Greg Silverwood and Richard Lloyd - have taken over

despite also having the extra burden of running the Academy's summer workshops for children.

Both are also in the production so they will have their hands full. Richard has taken on the director's role and Greg, who was already choreographing the production, is adding to his duties.

Greg Silverwood said: "Jonny was taken ill at a rehearsal with cerebral fluid leaking through his nose. He was rushed to hospital and now it is all hands on deck.

"We are very lucky that we have such a fantastic and experienced cast, they have just taken it all in their stride."

Heading up the cast is Simon Monte in the lead role of Hildy Johnson while the vastly experienced Phil Hopkins takes on the role of Walter Burns.

Katrina Wood has the female lead of Mollie Molley while Jonny's girlfriend Lisa Colman plays Natalie Lewis.

Choreographer Greg also handles the role of murderer Earl Williams.

This us a role he is familiar with as he played it in The Barnstormers production eight years ago.

Also appearing in that show and taking the same roles in the new show are Simon Monte and Bruce Sturrock (The Mayor) while Angelo Clarke will also be appearing in Windy City for a second time but in a different role. He takes on the role of a Reporter that Jonathan Tate played in The Barnstormers production.

Other parts in the new show will be taken by Richard Lloyd, Ben Walton, Andrew Walton, Mike Smith and Ben Eagle (Reporters); Ian White (Oakland); Claire Nolan, Bryony O'Gara, Clare Langford (Gruberettes) and Chris Tomlinson (The Sherrif) while Anthony Gilmartin and Mark Brown will each tackle four roles.

Musical director for the production will be Tom Johnson and assisting Greg with the choreography is Andrew Walton.

This new musical will follow the format of having the downstairs audience seated at tables with normal seating in the balcony.

Tickets can be purchased at £80 for tables of ten or individually at £9. They can be obtained by ringing the box office on 0113 2505286.