A former Keighley orphan this month graduates to leading children on a chaotic school trip.

John Darnbrough played the title role in Keighley Amateurs' 2001 production of the musical Oliver! and he has now landed a leading role in Bingley Little Theatre Youth Workshop's presentation of the comedy Our Day Out.

He joins several other offspring of experienced local amateur actors in the March 28/29 production of Willy Russell's play.

The Youth Workshop, formed last year, is for its second production moving to the main stage at Bingley Arts Centre.

Our Day Out follows a bunch of underprivileged, remedial schoolchildren taken out for the first time by their teachers.

Originally set in Liverpool, the play now focuses on Bradford teenagers as they rampage in a cafe, zoo, castle and beach.

Workshop leader and director Rosemary Grainger says the play is a celebration of the joys and agonies of growing up and being free from school.

She says: "It is also a sharp pointer to the depressing presence and empty future of inner-city comprehensive no-hopers.

"The production has been hard work but also fun, and it's been marvellous to see the group growing together and gaining confidence.

"They're excited about the opportunity to put on a full-scale production and it will be something for them to build on."

Tickets for the 7.30pm performances cost £4 for adults, £2 for children, by phoning 01535 642529.

They can also be bought from Robert Carter Travel, Queen's Court, Bingley.

n Princess Ida is this year's comic operetta to be performed by Bingley Gilbert and Sullivan Society.

The story of love-struck men infiltrating a women's college is staged on April 28-May 3 at Bingley Arts Centre.

Tickets can be booked by phoning John Wright on 01274 567294 (evenings).

n The Oxnop Singers again team up with Walkley's Clogs brass band to perform at Oxenhope Community Centre.

The March 23 concert will feature a varied programme ranging from classics to modern songs from shows such as Les Miserables.

The choir, whose 30 members hail mostly from the Oxenhope area, is raising money for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.

Tickets for the 7.15pm performance are available on the door or by telephoning 01535 642508 or 643596.

n A Feast of French Music is performed by Keighley Vocal Union on Sunday (7.30pm) at St Andrew's Church, Skipton. Book £7 (£5 concessions) tickets by phoning 01274 561579.

n Sing-a-Long-a Sound of Music returns on March 22/23 for performances at Leeds City Varieties.

The audience can dress up as characters from the famous film and sing along to subtitles at the bottom of the screen.

Buy £13 tickets at Keighley Information Centre, in the town hall, or telephone 0113 243-0808.

n A giant tapestry showcasing the lives of five to 20-year-olds across Europe is being exhibited at the Bradford Gallery.

European funding enabled 120 young people in Bradford, Portugal and Sweden to draw and paint self-portraits is to be woven into the tapestry.

The display -- "a remarkable statement on the artistic talent of our vibrant multi-cultural communities" -- runs until May 2.

The gallery is at the Yorkshire Craft Centre, Carlton Street, also home to a new three-storey Landmark Sculpture. Telephone 01274 433334.

n Rob Brydon brings his acclaimed TV comedy series Marion and Geoff to the stage, on March 25 (8pm), at Hebden Bridge Picture House.

Stand-up comic Ed Byrne performs at St George's Hall, Bradford, on March 29, at 8pm.

Book at Keighley Information Centre or phone 01422 351158 (Hebden Bridge) or 01274 432000 (Bradford).

n The London Mozart Players perform music by Tchaikovsky as well as Mozart at their Bradford concert on March 28.

Howard Shelley conducts and horn soloist is Christopher Newport during the 7.30pm show, at St George's Hall.

Book on 01274 432000.

n Emma Kirkby and Jakob Lindberg perform lute songs and solos from England and Italy, next Friday, in Bradford Cathedral, at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £7 from Keighley Information Centre or phone 01274 432000.