MEMBERS of Blackburn Arts Club and Blackburn Drama Club are joining forces for a seasonal treat on Friday.

Alongside comedian Jimmy Cricket, the local actors have been brought together by Eric Nolan to present the Founder’s Day Christmas Concert for Wilpshire charity Child Action Northwest (CANW), at St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe.

Drama club secretary Eric said: “I’m even doing my party-piece Sam’s Christmas Pudding by Stanley Holloway.

“CANW has recently had its annual grant funding cut by well over £1million, so all the artists are hoping to raise welcome funds on the night, as well as providing a good Christmas-time night out containing top entertainment.

“The choir of St James’ Primary School, Clitheroe, will also be helping to provide a seasonal and enjoyable Christmas miscellany of music, song and costumed readings.”

Tickets for the concert, at 7.30pm, cost £5, including a mince pie and drink.

n SPREADING some seasonal cheer, Blackburn Arts Club’s winter play is on the move this week.

After running at the club’s Gibraltar Street base last week, The Flint Street Nativity comes to Samlesbury War Memorial Hall on Friday, 7.30pm, and St Mary’s Centre, Clitheroe on Sunday, 2pm and 7.30pm – with the latter performance in aid of CANW.

The unusual take on a school nativity sees adults revert back to the childhood to play the seven-year-olds on stage.

Director Alison Bell said: “Many people will know Flint Street from the 1999 TV version featuring a line-up of very famous comedians like Jane Horrocks, Frank Skinner, Neil Morrissey and Stephen Tompkinson. The stage version is funnier and contains music with the children’s personalities and inner thoughts revealed through the words of the carols sung to the original tunes.”

To book for St Mary’s Centre, call 01200 425522 or 01254 244700.