AN ENERGETIC musical, penned by two Lancashire writers, is to set be performed on the terrace at the House of Commons.

Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans was so impressed with Stop The Train, when he caught a performance at The Grand in Clitheroe, that he issued an invitation to parliament for Rick Guard and Phil Rice’s show.

The former Runshaw College alumni have been working on the musical for five years and are determined to take it all the way to the West End.

For now, Preston’s Charter Theatre will be the next calling point for the runaway success, with a date next Thursday at the city venue.

Before their Clitheroe date, the cast gave would-be guests an impromptu performance in the street during the town’s annual food festival.

And plans are in place for another open-air snippet to garner support at Preston railway station, next Wednesday, with the backing of Virgin Trains and Preston North End.

The “uplifting dark comedy”, revolving around a twisting love story, even features a brief cameo by TV astrologer Russell Grant. Stage performers have been recruited for a number of leading north-west schools and London’s RADA.

Rick said: “The momentum generated by Stop The Train is unbelievable. It is getting top industry support at every stage of it’s journey.

“TONY award winning, West End lighting director Nick Richings, famous for his work on Joseph & His Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar has recently joined the production, and the musical is the subject of a long-term TV documentary by BAFTA and Emmy filmmaker Chris Swann, whose credits include programmes on Pavarotti and Paul McCartney.”