THE chairman of Clitheroe Parish Church Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society is urging audiences to ‘take a risk’ on its production of Jekyll and Hyde: The Musical.

Brian Haworth said people’s ‘apprehension’ about the new musical, considering the story’s gothic roots and horror film versions, was understandable.

But he says the society’s long-term supporters should not be put off.

Brian said: “There are new shows that instantly conjure up a happy feeling, just from the title, so, when you see ‘Jekyll and Hyde’ in the title, it is bound to engender feelings of apprehension.

“If I hadn’t experienced this musical before or seen our rehearsals to witness the high standard of performance and the emotional magic the songs, I might have been of the same opinion.

“I know people might see the choice of show and say ‘that’s not for me’. I say to them, just think of this as a story about love and high ideals, which sadly, have unfortunate consequences. Then, this story is no darker than some other musicals.

“Anyone who has enjoyed our shows in the past and is having doubts about this one; take a risk. It’s so much better than you imagine.”

In the dual title role is Peter Norris, with Laura Corney as his fiancee Emma Carew and Katie Cowburn as Lucy.

n Jekyll And Hyde: The Musical, St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe, Saturday, 7.30pm, and Monday, February 17 to Saturday, February 22, 7.30, plus 2.15pm Saturday matinee. Tickets cost from £10.